Note that it is only the first part of the final season. With that in mind, ask again in 6 months or whatever it takes Netflix to actually release a final final season.

It’s not about how hard you pull as much as how carefully you can aim, at least that’s how I justify it in game.

Shortswords are a finesse weapon, which are the swords which can benefit from dexterity in real life as well as in game. Longswords are heavy and quite difficult to swing, so their use is based on strength.