>There's a decent amount of lag (delay between application of a force by the user and force at the throttle) and non-linearity in a 2-foot cable caused by elasticity of the cable and the cable guide and friction between the cable and the guide.

What sort of motorcycle was this? The ones I had had metal cables; there is no elasticity (if it stretches, it ain't shrinking - you'll adjust it to take up the slack).

Friction between cable and guide also doesn't cause lag.

(Still want to know how it is more safe)