I'm not one to call anything under 9ft a longboard.
I'm neither here nor there on HP longboarding. It comes down to whatever you want to do.
Great surfers surf well. Very few on this board are great surfers. There are some guys that I'd call "HP longboarders" that are a joy to watch. Big carves and bottom turns, noserides,etc. Go watch Kai Sallas, Antoine Delpero, Taylor Jensen, or Bonga and tell me they aren't ripping. There are some that are absolutely hideous.
There are PLENTY of "traditional" longboarders with hideous, flawed, contrived, style and approach as well. Others are beautiful to watch.
You aren't either one. Consider the waves you want to surf, talk to your shaper, be honest with your ability and desired outcome, and let them show you what they have. Better yet, ask if they or anyone else has something you can take for a spin.
Huge planky Malibu log in a beachbreak? bad idea for most.
Rockered out HP long board at a mushy pointbreak?Also a bad idea for most.
But for me, anyone riding a sub 9 foot board and calling it "longboarding" is a certified kook. That's an egg/funboard. Mini mal if you're an Australianish.