Hi CWR--you're not the only person confined to cramped quarters. I though my space was small until I saw Farfadet's and when I saw the work he produces in it, I am in awe.
So, the short of it is you have a challenge. I think your Workmate should be more than tall enough to keep a 28" saw from striking the floor, but it may be tall enough to where you cannot fully withdraw the saw enough to make that length matter, at least in the current space and bench in use.
I would recommend to observe how much of your present Bahco saw is actually in use and add a couple inches to it. A 26" may be better, but perhaps a couple inches to either side, too. But only you can figure that part out.
A panel saw of 24" will most likely gain you a thinner saw blade, but I suspect a 26" or longer will not.
Set may be the bigger issue. So lessen it. If the XT is a hardpoint saw (hardened teeth) and if you have a DMT or other diamond honing plate, use it to lessen the set. If it tracks well now, take one swipe on each side beginning from the heel clear off the toe of the saw.
Try cutting again. If the saw is still tracking well but still has too much kerf, do the above once more. Keep going like that--including test cutting to make sure you do not over do it--until the set is lessened to suit you and the woods you use.
If the saw begins to drift one way or the other, take one extra, light swipe of the hone on the side it drifts to and test cut again. Do be careful and do this over time and several cuts in the woods you use most.
You may find for your needs the Bahco works well. If so, you've saved some money for wood!
Take care, Mike