OK. Well, to shorten....or not to shorten....that is the question. No sense in any of us trying to sell you on one or the other. Completely your call, of course. You know (now) the technical aspects, if you do shorten the barrel. So, weigh the pros and cons....and there you go.
One thing. With many loads, a 26" barrel can actually be too long for .308. Not ALL loads, but many. Depending on the powder used, it is actually possible to get better velocity from a 22" or 24" barrel, in the .308. 26" is a bit unusual for .308, anyway.
Just thought I'd throw that out.