I normally position my ram so it is as far back as possible with the spindle center still able to reach the far side of the table at the same time. On my mill (a Millrite, smaller than a Bridgeport) that position is very close to the ram retracted as far as possible. When needed, pull out the ram as far as is needed to reach what you need to reach. My Millrite could easily reach the center of a 40" round part if needed, possibly 48". Yes, it will be less rigid, but at least you can cut it. Sometimes it also pays to swing the turret to reach something, even something that is not in the vise or on the table, even a part mounted to a fixture on the floor for maximum part height. Always try to think outside the box and enjoy the exceptional capabilities the designers built into the machine. For many users, the head never gets nodded or tilted, the ram never gets moved, the turret either, and all they can see is the spindle and the vise. Which sounds more like a drill press... The long table is only used to move the centered vise. You can have a part mounted on the side of the table or directly to the table. Take off the blinders and see all the many possibilities.
Move and lube the ram and turret every so often or they will be frozen tight when you need them!