According to what the openBRF ruler says, the reach is correct, no extra lenght. It does damage at the very tip though, so it probably looks like it has extra even when it doesn't.
This.
I'm telling you guys, there is no ghost reach and it does damage only when the mesh hits. Your guy's anger lies within the balance of the weapons, referring to their stats. There is no bug though.
As to the right swing it being evident? No, just right swings have more reach as the arm extends further.
1h swings:
left swing = fastest to hit but lowest reach
Right swing = slower but further reach
Overhead = slowest to Hit [as all overheads hit at end of animation]
Thrust = Most reach at full extend but functional reach is equal to or slightly lower than right hand swing. Hits roughly same time as it too.