A guitar builder friend of mine pointed out that electric guitars with string through body as opposed to strings anchored on bridge options on eg Telecaster or Strat etc tend to have a higher tension in the strings due to the increased string length even if the actual vibrating length is unchanged - something to do with the physical properties of the metals and so on.
Not to mention the fact that even if a shorter scale length differs by only ca 2% this difference will be applied to all strings. You only have to loosen one string on a wammy-equipped Strat to realise just how much pull there is on each string as all the others go suddenly sharp!
I have to agree with others who point out that there are other factors at play as well, so if the shorted scale length makes for easier playing (and easier string bending for a given string size) then go for it. I don't experience less volume on shorter scale guitars, on the other hand I do agree that there is a slightly softer quality to the sound - not better, not worse, just different
