Originally Posted by
jgf310
Does anyone think a long cage derailleur would help?
Of course it would, but I thought you were trying to avoid spending more than necessary. You're so close, and can probably solve it for free with B screw adjustment, and/or for small $$$ with a bigger lower pulley.
In your shoes, I'd try to get it closer, then accept it since I don't ride small small, and the consequences of accidentally shifting to it are minor. My touring bike has a "bail out" granny which causes sag on all but the largest rear sprockets, but I happily accept it because all the combinations I actually use are fine.