The shop I'm planning on using is very close by my home and office, I already got his opinion. He was the first to suggest going one piece. I was reluctant at first, but after thinking it over for days, talking with a few other people, etc., I've come to the conclusion, try it. If it becomes a problem, then I'll just switch it back to two pieces at that point. The wheel base is short enough and the shaft only sticks down at droop situations. The low point is still the center of the axle, by a long shot.
-Jon