With an auto, changing the shift handle will only make things look like you want them to. I personally think the auto's shift handle looks great.
For a manual, a short throw setup makes it so you are moving the actual shifter a shorter distance to each gear, the theory being that it will improve your shift time ever so slightly. Keep in mind that human-speed shifting and human-speed brain function are the only inherent weaknesses of a manual transmission. If you can do something mechanical to enhance this weakness, people will do it.
Also, Hurst has been putting shifters in pony cars for a long time. It's kind of a tradition. My 77 formula had a Hurst from the factory in it. It was a very fun car to drive, even if it was only rated at 135 hp.
