i am 5'5 and i dont like playing on short tables either, i think they are tougher to play on and it takes me a little bit of time to get use to them. usually i adjust my stance by bending my knees more when i play on shorter tables. at the same token bending your knees makes your stance a little more springy than when your legs are in a locked/stiffer/planted stance. just something to be aware of if you do decide bend your knees. i usually lock my back leg when playing pool and slightly bend my lead leg.