The FAA says runways without a 1000-ft overrun area are unsafe. The
solution? Extend the overrun by shortening the runway. That sounds
fishy to me. What am I missing here?

Probably nothing Andy. Sounds about right for the average FAA solution
:-)
Dudley Henriques

to pick a nit, the FAA isn't responsible for determining a runway length.
That
"honor" is left to the airport.

Isn't the "standard/safety issue" coming from the FAA?

Ron Lee