I actually seek out these 35-50 minute connections. I love them. And (knock on wood) have yet to miss. I fly out of MKE connecting in ATL too. Take the 6am CT with a quick connection to TPA and end up there at 11:30ET. With the overcrowded Sky Clubs I see no reason to hang at the airport longer than I have to. I'll chance the short connection every time
this is me too...currently enduring a 3.5 hour layover in ATL...and it isn't fun.