This type of situation is a perfect example of why I'd suggest that true part measurements be added as a type of shadow (or meta-) data. This way the information could be added as situations arise, but would not require the re-working of whole categories of parts. An LDraw editor could then provide a user option to render parts using these more accurate dimensions, such as when building assemblies like those shown in the article.
Under such a system, these two parts would probably be identical except for this shadow data. But until then, it seems to me the above solution is good.
Under such a system, these two parts would probably be identical except for this shadow data. But until then, it seems to me the above solution is good.