Yep, long noseleg was to “reach” airbridges. Was also told on ground school that it was to help certify it for rough strip operation (greater prop clearance) but no one required an off road version, so the rest of the mods were scrapped - probably for the best.
Not a bad ship overall, but definitely a committee led design with lots of “nice to have” widgets that were implemented poorly, things either created bespoke at great expense (CRT PFD/ND for example) or robbed straight from the parts bin at chadderton or somewhere (Comms box surplus from a Victor Mk.1 tanker)
Built like a brick outhouse, and can’t think of anything I’d rather take into a (certainly not greater than...) max crosswind onto a short runway. Always had the confidence that I could plant it on speed exactly where I wanted in the worst conditions without breaking it. someone at Avro did something right.
you should never go back for another go though. It wouldn’t be the same.