After searching for weeks to find the perfect summer short short with the ideal length (not TOO short), I've realized how difficult of a feat that is to accomplish. Most inseams I've encountered have been just about 1" or 1.5", which I find disgraceful. I ended up buying two sizes up at Target and they were the right length. So, give me your feedback! What do you think is the right inseam? Why?

I know exactly what you mean. I am 5ft10 and though I am thin, I have no hips / thighs. I do not buy shorts! They are either (as you mention) cute, or they go throughout the knee, none of them flattering. It is difficult to find mid-length shorts. 4-5 is what I said and I know that most people, its a bit long, but they are the only type that actually correspond roughly to mid-length on me. But they are certainly not short. I think for most people (not just me as I aware) 3 is good.

I know what you mean. I am 5ft10 and even if I am even thinner / thighs. I hate to buy shorts! They either a small and thin, or go down all the knee neither of which is flattering to me. It hard to find a mid-length shorts. 4-5 is what I said and I know that most are a bit long, but they are the only species that fits really only about half the length of me. But I am not really Short Shorts. I think many people 3 is good.

It depends on the opportunity when you use them. With regard to your personal preferences: the shorter the better! I like super short hot pants (but not too tightly). But I would not wear them at university. So I have a few pairs, which is slightly longer, about 4to 5 I can bring to the university and work. I also hope that I can pair them with high heels and boots without too sexy.