It is cool to have. I'd just keep it as is too.
FWIW, it's generally a good idea to open up the traditional 3-4 inches because it gives you enough room to inspect the inside of the casing for damage and glass shard remnants sticking in. Not at all unusual to pull them out of the inside when repairing a flat.
I suppose though if you pulled a thumbtack or the like out of your tire, you could just snip enough threads to get at the tube with that thingamajig 'extractor', and save yourself some sewing.
I was taught to use a blanket stitch to sew back up. Anyone else do it this way? It's only slightly slower than a basic overhand stitch, but more secure.