NOTATIO

Our findings match, OCTO. So the question is where did this idea of unequal ledger lines after accidentals come from? A few rogue sightings?

Update on the issue:

Here is Dorico, which does shorten ledger lines if the option is invoked: As continue to look for it, I see it occasionally in plate engraved music, but it does not seem to be systematic. It is more often in tight conditions, but sometimes even in roomy. It is as if the engravers sometimes varied (erred?) in positioning the accidental and had to adjust the ledger lines accordingly.

For the example above I would avoid it. Particularly not with the sharp symbol. The white space created for me is more disturbing than overlapping.

Yes, uneven ledger lines are quite ugly. It is possibly the result of error in plate engraving.

The shortening of ledger lines, however, is necessary in engraving and I am glad to see that Dorico gives the user control over the ledger lines of individual notes. This is a big step toward taking GUI engraving software to a truly professional level. LilyPond has probably had this capability for years.