from what i understand, so pls correct me if i'm wrong, the long shoulder straps on the classiques were available with the older versions years ago. i think people have had their leather shoemakers try to make longer straps for them since the ones they come with now are short and carry on the high side....
the bale is the hardware on the shoulderstrap that connects to the bag- its something that most fakers haven't fixed yet (thank god so we can tell on the best ones yet)