Can the Object Acct size be changed from 4 to 3?

Our Accounting department wants to change the edited size from 4 characters to only 3 such that the 4th blank character would be dropped from any listings. I see that in WS: 09: Understanding Flex Format with Regard to the Object Account (P0907) (Doc ID 1099976.1) it indicates that the fields can not be decreased (especially the object). Is there an inherent reason the Object can not be only 3 positions if the Accounting department doesn't want to see 1.510 .01 on a report or export? We are in the process of developing a new chart of accounts using more Sub-Accounts so it will become more of an issue as the number of accounts starts to expand. We are wanting to add Departments and Locations to the G/L Structure and I believe that both parts will be realized in the Sub-Account, such as 1.602.185.01 so the