You two are the first shooters I have ever heard say their draw length increased when shooting recurves or longbows vs. compounds. Perhaps it is sign of changing times or CHANGED times. Some of your draw length must be lost through use of string loops and releases..........?
Draw length on traditional bows is typically something that must be figured with the bow in your hand. Some traditional shooters have very unorthodox forms, leading to varied draw lengths, as well as varied degrees of accuracy. Since there is no "wall" to contend with, a traditional shooter finds his proper draw length by drawing the bow to a solid anchor and finding good consistent shoulder/arm/body alignment, and then having a friend mark the arrow shaft. The trick is to then become proficient at consistently maintaining that draw and form on each consecutive shot. At least that is how I do it, but it may be wrong.