I've perused the SW 2012 Help and not found any concrete information on its function.

(It did mention something to the effect of "...[a proper length] to assure that folds [in a ribbon cable] made near the connector can be created properly.")

What is the function of the "stub"; just for wire bend location (with respect to the connector)?

Also...

Has anyone noticed that the "stub" increases in length if you rotate its parent component around in an assembly?