First of all, HuntWA has disappointed me. A few years ago, this thread would have gone completely off the rails and resulted in at least 3 people getting banned within the first 5 posts. Two of the banned members would have just been jay.sharkbait and biggerhammer though, so they don't really count.

I was sure the 1000 yards on elk would get a few more folks worked up.
I do love the fact that I can throw together a theoretical build using components that are either banned or impossible to get (has anyone tried to get the 131 Blackjack bullets lately

) and nobody even bats an eye anymore. I've done some dumb projects over the years, but this would be a new low, even for me!
Why would you want a short barrel on a hunting gun? Your going to
Loose so much speed.
That's an easy one to answer. Short barrels earn you 3x internet operator points, 4x points if you do a short barrel and say "I only shoot suppressed". Short barrels just make a great excuse to use a larger-capacity case. Want a 14" 7mm? Build a 7mm WSM. An 18" 30 caliber is more your thing? A 300 RUM is the only logical choice. Need a 20" 338 capable of legitimate 1000 yard elk hunting? The 338 SnipeTac is a clear winner and my personal favorite.

Is it ok to be sad this isn't a resurrection of the boondoggle?
No, it's not OK to be sad. The Boondoogle has been erased from the public record and is never to be spoken of again. I'm still paying for therapy to move on after that never-ending dumpster fire of a project. Although, I did hit 4250 fps with a 103gr Apex Afterburner out of the 25" barrel....

Why would you want a short barrel on a hunting gun? Your going to
Loose so much speed.
I mean, it's a pistol so technically 14" is pert long 
That's the spirit! Long barrels are for cheaters who need to get closer to the target.