It seems obvious to me that you're missing the point of what I said. But no, I've never fought a fish with a two-handed fly rod. However, I have fought fish with two handed rods, quite a number of times.
The point you missed is the FRONT hand which creates the fulcrum for the REAR hand. Try using a long rod with one hand at the rear of the rod and you'll see what I mean. The further up the rod you place the front hand, the more leverage you can generate, however much putting the rod in danger.
I'm glad you agree that the short rod gets the nod for winch duty, since winching a fish is basic to the function of a rod. Using your term here, it's not one most would chose in describing a rod. And force is important to fighting a fish. Vector is somewhat important, I guess, but the force you apply is directly to the fish is IMO more important OVERALL.
It's harder to protect a tippet with a short rod. Why? BEcause you put more force on it in a shorter distance.
