Yamalink vs. stock link - hardly any difference?

Yes, this is another lowering question.  When I look at the two side by side as in the picture below, they look nearly identical in length.

yamalink vs stock linkage

This isn't my picture, but when I lined them up on my workbench that's what I saw.  My question is this:  Does it really make that much of a difference?

Here's why I ask.  I did install the Yamalink, but I also did the lowering of the shock too.  I did not get a 1.5" or 2" difference by doing both.  What I got was almost exactly 1 inch.  Now, don't get me wrong, I'm happy with the difference, but what I'm wondering is, did I really gain anything from the Yamalink other than a nice zerk fitting to lube the bearings? What am I missing?

Removed the shock nut permanent and took the saw cut of 12mm doing both gives 36mm effective.
Thats what i did.
My bike is new to me.
Shock is serviced and reshimd but still using click positions 1, 2, or 3. Standard should be click 12. So next time rebound have to be shimd more heavy.
Preload is std as per manual.
Lowered the front to the max.
I am happy now, my lenght is 173cm and 72kgs clean.