Right, that doesn't change the relation of the fork to the pressure plate.
Removing those shims might be the easiest thing to do. In addition to changing the relation of the fingers, it will give another .020" between the pressure plate housing and fork.
A shorter pivot would also help, if possible. It will change the position of the fork by more than the amount it is shorter because if you move the fork back, it also has to rotate toward the pressure plate in order to achieve the same free play, which moves it even farther from the housing. 1/16" shorter pivot might move the fork 1/8" or 3/16" from the pressure plate housing, whatever the ratio may be.
Did the stock clutch not use a long pressure plate or does this one just behave differently?
Lawrenceville, GA