I have the stock Seaway bottom block, but the idea is to do this to it:
Therefore lowering the stack height but I do understand your point with the old 5:1s and how much less line you have to pull to bring it in; its just those last few pulls which are really hard one handed now that I'm 35, specially if I plan to sail for 2 or 3 hours.
I'll use the Harkens if I somehow stumble into a block but I'm too cheap to buy 'em.
I know 35 is not that old but I had major brain stem surgery like 3 years ago so I'm not in such good shape anymore, also I have less money to spend on toys and more time to "come up" with things.