Found a FIX!
Look at the attached jpeg for a pictorial view. I purchased Futaba J-type extensions from Tower Hobbies (the Hobbico brand is cheaper). These have the shroud around the pins molded into the connector.
[Older extensions have a box-like second piece that's snapped over the connector with pins. You can just pull the box off with two pairs of pliers--one to hold the connector and one to grab the shroud.]
First, carefully remove the wires by prying up the black tab with a small regular screwdriver. If you pull on the wire while you lift the tab, the wire will release more easily. Cut off the extension piece of the shroud using a suitable tool. I used a paper cutter shear. Then simply plug the wires back in and you are done! I got great results!!!