Evidently the 544 runs a long cylinder. You could make a 44 special only cylinder out of a 41 mag cylinder. There would be a .13 length of throat at .434 right in front of the case before the bullet hit the .429 throat. A non issue as the front of the bullet body would be in the .410 throat before the base of bullet left the case. Way less of an issue than firing 44 specials in a 44 mag cylinder. But, as it is the cylinder that lets go, not the frame, I wouldn't be afraid of running a 44 mag cylinder in the frame. Look they make 44 mags using scandium alloy, the very best scandium alloy does not have as much tensile or yield strength as 4140 from the mill. If S&W is selling alloy magnums why worry about a magnum cylinder in an 4140 frame???? 5000 rounds isn't going to wreck it.
Why would a 544 with a 44 mag cylinder have super bad recoil. You guys obviously have not fired many 4" model 29s or any of the scandium alloy guns.
My wrists, elbows and shoulders have been beat to death with 1 and 1 1/2" impact guns and heavy recoiling revolvers don't aggravate them.
My fingers and thumbs will sometimes cramp up, but it is always while using them on stuff like screw drivers and pliers, never while shooting. My hands have never bothered me shooting or after shooting. My snub 325 stung my palms with wood stocks enough that it was painful too my palms.
But, then I wear size XXL gloves. If I get a pair of XLs and soak them in water I can force my hand in them, then wear them until they are dry and they might stay large enough.