I think that I would be able to write better descriptions if there were an option to programmatically insert the character's shortdesc similar to how pronouns work (help pronouns).
For example,
"This tall (SHORTDESC) stands out from the other (SHORTDESC'S) in that %s …"
This tall chen stands out from the other chens in that zir…
What do you all think? Is this worth coding?