And Rob, in my opinion, is on the right track (pun intended) on using "more gentle" switches. I elminated almost all Aristo-craft "wide radius" switches (#4 frog) in favor of their #6 switch, what a difference, that picture above was not joke, especially with it happened with a consist of locos.
Shortening the diverging track has the added benefit of reducing the "S" curve somewhat, but it's so little rail, the major benefit is the "gentler" frog. Also, just looks closer to prototype, i.e. nicer.
I believe Train-Li actually gave an option with their switches, by including a short curved piece for the diverging route, with the piece in place, it more followed the LGB design, without the piece, more followed prototype practice and allowed crossovers with tighter track to track spacing. In the US, Train-Li appears to sell Trainline 45 stuff, which I think is well known in Europe.
Regards, Greg