Hi Rich, Re: "[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Given that I'm really comfortable with the scale length of electric 6 string guitars (strat, les paul, etc), I'm wondering generally if it would be easier for me to get a short scale bass".[/font][/color]
I would take a step back before buying a short scale and just to check that you aren't trying to play a bass like you play your guitar. When I began playing bass I often attempted, what were in retrospect silly "lead guitar style" left hand stretches that made playing difficult and sometimes painful. You can move your left hand around and don't need to stretch like that.
The first thing is to look at your technique and enjoy playing within the limits of your instrument. Once you get that you can improve/get faster with practice.
Then go and look for the right bass. There are plenty of very playable basses out there. If the jazz doesn't work then other famously playable thin necked basses include the Japanese Bass Collections or the current Ibanez SR's. You may like short scale, you may even find that you prefer thicker necks or that 34" works for you.