:: Yes. SQL is (somewhat) high-level and if you specify length
:: X it should mean X, irrespective of any implementation
:: details. The fact that old implementations have failed, yes
:: failed, in that respect doesn't change this fact.

If we have to preserve the old behavior as an option (as much as I think its
bad, I understand the need not to break apps) it could be made a new
parameter in the connection string. I think it should default to the NEW (ie
proper) behavior though.