I agree with you, Alan. However, after posting that statement on the previous page, I did a small amount of research to determine if what I had stated held any validity. I'm aware of the close-up shots showing the pilot inside, which I assume is what the team is using to determine scale, but check this image out (it's real, from RotJ):
http://www.theforce.net/SWTC/Pix/given/rb/mc04.jpgI blame LucasFilm for causing these problems because they did cause them. Seldom does one find ANY coherent images/drawings/models or anything else from the Star Wars films due to innumerable reasons. Clearly, the close-up model and distance models were different in scale. However, I have to grant that the 9-point-something meter length is viable due to the image above. I give it additional credence due to the fact that the A-Wings can be approximated in size because of other ships in the vicinity that we actually have an agreed length for.
Note that if the X-Wing is 12.5 meters in length, we can take a very rough scale estimate of the A-Wing's width in comparison (it's rough due to perspective distortion, etc.). We then note that the A-Wing is slightly wider than the X-Wing's bisected length, 6.25 meters. That rationalization makes the official width of 6.48 meters rather viable, actually. Since the length of the A-Wing is greater than the width, it makes a length of over 9 meters very likely.
As far as realisim goes, a larger fighter is better. This is not to say that the speed and maneuverability could not be attributed to a small mass with even limited engine output (which is rather viable)-but it just doesn't seem to fit into place with the grander scale of Star Wars to me. The A-Wing is supposed to be a long range fighter with powerful sensors, a hyperdrive, a full load of 12 concussion missiles, and comparatively big engines. Squeezing all of that into such a tiny frame is a bit ludicrous... of course, it is Star Wars...
-Thaeris