Correct on both counts…
The LS-56 is still the third most popular joystick lever option after the Sanwa JLF and Seimitsu LS-32-01.
It’s what you get used to, what’s your favorite, etc.
It seems like a lot of people are customizing the LS-58’s with LS-56 springs. It’s on my to-get list, too.
I hope the Zippyy long shaft works out for you!
Oh, and as far as the E-clip replacement for the C-clip’s on the LS-32/Zippyy are concerned, people generally buy the the 7/16" or 3/8" E-clip. Either will fit the LS-32/Zippyy shaft and still clear the restrictor gate. I’ve never noticed the E-clip interfering with lever option and I’ve been doing this mod for at least 4 years now.
It’s a good idea to use a small towel/rag to install the E-clip, though. You can hurt yourself installing the E-clip otherwise. You just have to figure out how to use muscle to put the E-clip on. I’d recommend buying at least 2 C-clips in whatever size you choose in case you do bend a E-clip by accident.
The first installation of the E-clip is hardest… If you ever have to take it off, I’d suggests using a small “hobby” screwdriver. Once the E-clip gets removed a time or two, it gets easier to slip back on.
The problem with the original C-clip Seimitsu puts on the LS-32 is that it requires a special tool (or loop and wire) to remove and replace that wire. C-clip’s lose their elasticity quickly and no longer hold the LS-32 shaft on securely after just 2 removals. Your shaft assembly can fall apart on you at the worst possible times.
You shouldn’t have to be buying a special tool for to remove a screw/clip – especially one (C-clip) that becomes unreliable very quickly. E-clips are much stronger and last longer. That’s why E-clips are more standard hardware for most joysticks.
The LS-32 is “different” on several accounts and why Seimitsu hasn’t changed it (ie, redesigned a bit) in all these years to be a bit more convenient to install and service is beyond me. It’s a tank of a joystick (bulky, bigger than most) and has some peculiar traits (no purpose-built shaft cover, PCB must be removed for mounting plate screw-on’s, tendency to pop shaft when handled roughly, and an uncharacteristically short shaft by most general standards).
Nonetheless, the LS-32 has generally good handling characteristics (medium throw, very good recentering, nice “touch” and good sensitivity but not overly sensitive) and is customizable where it helps best for a lot of people (easy to tweak joystick tension unlike the LS-40, its closest relative in design and feel amongst the other LS series joysticks).
A lot of people like the LS-40 and LS-56 but more people complain about those being overly sensitive and taking time to adjust to ("acquired tastes) than the LS-32. I can definitely see that point; most days of the week I can use an LS-32 but there really are only a few times I’m as comfortable and as good with the LS-40. An LS-40 CAN “get away” from you if you’re not relaxed. It’s a much easier joystick to “overpower” and find yourself flailing on than the LS-32… and supposedly, the LS-56 is even worse in those respects. (Ditto with the LS-58 from personal experience.)
I do like the LS-32 but acknowledge is isn’t a perfect piece of hardware. My main gripes are the bulkiness and Seimitsu’s over-dependence on screws to hold the thing together otherwise I think’s it possibly the most versatile Japanese joystick lever on the market. It works well with just about every 2-D game genre developed and is especially good with early 1980s retro games (Pac-Man, Donkey), 2-D retro fighters (CPS-2, Neo Geo), and 2-D poly fighters (SF IV, Dead or Alive series, Tekken series, Soul Calibur, etc.) and newer hand-drawn extravaganzas (BlazBlu, Guilty Gear series, Skullgirls).