Yes, basically as long as the pendant length is the same or smaller multiplier of freeboard as the scope of the chain, you should be ok. Just don't want the pendant to be a higher scope than the chain, or the ball could submerge. The washer mentioned above is probably still helpful though because incoming waves are still going to hit the ball and try to push it around.
If the ball failure was caused by the ball being pulled underwater by its chain, then keeping the ball from submerging should help.
I don't think a ball should fail by being pulled under. I think it failed due to improper installation, and shortening the pennant would reduce the shock absorption and increase shock loads, and also sharpen the angle of pull at deck chocks or cleat attachment points; together that might possibly induce failure elsewhere by in storm size waves.
FYI - Interesting image on that reference site - this confirms that the failure I had seen was due to improper use.This particular style buoy (or something like it) has put boats on the rocks or beach if the penant is attached at the top of the ball. Traditional Sur- Moor Mooring Buoy - Taylor Made Products
The problem is that the rod inside corrodes and the corrosion is invisible until the rod lets go in a storm.I’ve seen it first hand.
