Donhou Build - Continental inspired

The mudguard question is such a hard one. Do you go long drop or try and squeeze a 25mm under a short drop brake?

I'm going for the latter as having a non complete groupset would not sit right in my head. Why can't Shimano make a long drop DA 9000 brake?

I was annoyed when I got my Rourke and realised I could have got normal reach brakes with 25's... but I've actually been really impressed with those long drop Shimano's (the ones Jason has too) and also I have the option to put 28's in the winter without pinching the guards.