Yes those sporrans are beauties but what is it like having the thong right in the middle of where your hand is trying to reach?

I would probably go with a faux-flap-thong (say it three times fast) where that middle thong is attached to the flap and you can reach your whole had straight in.

Having never owned one I don't know if the issue is as big as I imagine it to be.

I can barely get my hand into an open MOD hinged cantle.