Major, I know you are trying to help, but you seem to be questioning my ability to determine if a jacket fits. I apologize I don't have photographic proof.
Wested says that in order to determine your chest measurement, you measure your chest with a cloth tape and you order that size. I measured 43.75 so I ordered 44. They further say that they leave enough extra room to layer a jumper underneath. I tried it on with just a t shirt and it zipped up like a wetsuit. There was no way any layering would be possible. This was not due to stiff leather. It was due to not enough leather around the chest.
I understand measurements are approximate. That is why I did not mention the shoulder measurement. They are supposed to be 7.5 inches, but they measured 7 inches. Half an inch I can excuse. But as you described the way the LC is supposed to fit, if the shoulders are 0.5 inches too short, and the sleeves are 1.5 inches too short, that is two inches shorter than advertised. Do you think 2 inches of deviation from a 25.5 inch sleeve is a reasonable approximation? I don't.
I did not return it because of the sleeve length difference, I returned it because it did not fit in the chest as advertised. I measured the jacket because my first thought was that the jacket was mislabeled.
When the jacket was on and my arms were down by my sides, about half of my wrist watch was visible. Not the end of the world. If the chest fit as advertised, I would have lived with the sleeves as is. Of course, they would have fit better if they were 1.5 inches longer as advertised.
I wish the problem was that my arms were too big and muscular, but that is not an issue. I am just an average build.
What is the relevance of the fact that the TOD jackets have smaller pockets? I didn't order one of those. I didn't order a SA jacket designed to fit Harrison Ford's measurements. I ordered a jacket that is supposed to used as a jacket. I ordered a jacket that was allegedly the roomier of the two standard versions that they sell. I could somewhat understand your argument if I had ordered a Hero version, or a TOD jacket, but I did neither of those things. I don't think that a jacket that is so tight in the chest that you can't raise your hands to your handwarmer pockets is properly sized. In one of the photos you posted, you have a hand in your handwarmer pocket, so I know its possible to use them.
I understand that a custom jacket would be a great thing if it actually came with the sizes you ordered, but as I see it, I ordered a jacket with a 44 inch chest, 25.5 inch sleeves, 7.5 inch shoulders, and a 26.5 inch back. I did not receive a jacket with those measurements. So was I willing to risk another $65 plus the cost upgrade for a custom, plus the restock fee if it didn't fit? No. If they didn't get the first batch of measurements correct, why would they do better if I ordered a different set of measurements? If 1 to 2 inches of deviation is close enough, no thanks.
Congratulations on your jacket. It looks great. I wish my experience mirrored yours.