Preferred projector location distance in between Short-Throw and Non

[FirGir]

My ideal spot to place a projector would be above the ball at a throw length anywhere from 121-145 inches. My screen will only be 111” wide due to space limitations so I want to run an aspect ratio of 4:3 to maximize my screen height (83”). My preference is to buy a new BenQ projector with 1080 resolution, which means I need to buy with a native format of 16:9 and then convert the image to 4:3. In using the calculator at projectorcentral.com, this projector location seems to be somewhat “in between” the short throw and regular projector “sweet spots” for location. The sweet spot for a regular BenQ projector location, based on the criteria above, is about 15-16’ and the sweet spot for a short throw BenQ projector is about 9’ 3” (111”). If I go one more inch away from the screen with the short throw, the message below the throw distance slide changes to “Recommend higher brightness.” So, is the zoom function my answer here? The HT2150ST shows a Zoom ratio of 1.2. The below screenshot is the 2150ST, based on the criteria above, but then adding about half of the 20 percent zoom consideration to my 111” screen size (so 111” plus 10% more width equaling a screen width of 121”). This gets me to a throw length of 122” on the calculator and then I’m thinking I use half of the 1.2 zoom to get the image size back down to my screen size.
Am I using the calculator and thinking through this correctly?
Do I need to consider a different brand of projector?
How important is it when that message in the calculator below the throw distance changes to “Recommend higher brightness?” (as it is shown in the screenshot below when the zoom calc is added in)
My build is in my garage and I will typically be playing after dark. I want my image to be really nice and have purchased accordingly regarding a gaming laptop. I would like to stay at $1k or less for this projector. Thanks!

[FirGir]

tried to print a screenshot but it was too big

[wbond]

Well, i just checked mine and I'm very close to the point where i get that message as well. I use it in my garage and I have the windows covered but use it with one of the garage door unit lights on. It's fine for me. I use the optoma gt1080 in 4:3.

[FirGir]

Projector Central is showing that the gt1080 doesn't have zoom and the ideal location is about 6' 2' from the screen at 4:3 and 111" width, so I don't think that will work in my case. I guess I can floor mount the projector but would prefer not to. Thanks for the input!