Corollary:

The shorter the leader, the more action you get on your hootchie.

Bottom line.... short and stiff definitely has its merits when running a hootchie/flasher setup.

As to the spacing.... far enough to get the trailing hook eye an inch or more away from the tips of the tentacles.

Then amputate the useless point off the top hook!

The trailer is the one that's gonna catch 95-plus % of the fish anyway. With the "hangback" trailer they will virtually all be hooked outside in, nearly eliminating the risk of a mortal hooking wound. Also makes the hook infinitely more accessible to an elegant and efficient no touch quick-release.

If it's a keeper, having only one hook virtually eliminates the risk of a botched net job. You will never prematurely snag the mesh before a fish's head goes all the way to the bottom of bag! NEVER! The only hook point you have to worry about is already buried in the fish's jaws.

Moreover, the hootchie will act more natural and lifelike without hooks getting in the way of it's inherently tantalizing tentacular action. Also cuts down on some of the weight allowing your kicker flasher to "kick" the squid around with a bit more oomph.

Take it to the bank!