Backpacker; in English, when talking about this subject, it is better to talk about one's height rather than length. Discussion of ones length can, in some situations, be misunderstood
Anyway, apparently one of the best points about the 177 is that the wing is moved considerably further back than in other high wing Cessnas for exactly the reason you mention; it enables a far better view out, as the pilot is now sitting in front of the wing, not under it.
172driver; I agree on the 172RG. I'm a big fan of it, it's a lovely stable IFR platform!