I've just returned from the Brompton Store on Long Acre, where I visited on a not entirely unrelated matter.
When I explained to the mechanic what I was doing, his considered advice was to reduce the chain length from 102 links to 100 so the same as I was suggesting upthread.
I think that the more prudent mechanic in me might remove one at first and then see how it works.
It is probably one of these things where you cannot go back.
More interestingly, on acquiring the kit for replacing the rear sprockets, I asked him if it was necessary to replace the dork disc, he replied that it was - otherwise the sprockets would remain loose.
I asked him if I could cut away the periphery of the disc, leaving just the centre to do the job of a spacer as all the rest of the disc was doing was touching the chain when it is on the larger sprocket and making an unpleasant noise.
He looked me directly in the eye with that I-know-exactly-what-you-mean look.
Then, without averting his gaze, he reached behind him, opened one of the many drawers and (still without looking) picked out two aluminium spacers and handed them to me with the words 'Here, fit these instead'.
(Who knows, its entirely possible that the drawer contained nothing other than those spacers. It did make him look very dextrous thobut).
And in a fit of festive spirit, he refused to take any money for these from me.