The baffle does not need to be 8" long. It only needs to be 8+" away to not be in contact with any flame.
For example, the baffle on my Semroc Explorer is about 10" away from the top of the motor.

If it is in contact with flame, yes, eventually the tube and baffle will get torched.

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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!!

Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't !
Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY.
ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, and HAVOC !