Kara, my pantry closet is the same width as yours, but only 30” deep. I have a u-shaped set-up similar to what you show in your 11/2 post, but my side shelves are 5.5”. I would definitely NOT have a problem reaching the back of it were even a foot deeper. You don’t need to put your whole body in there to grab something — just one arm and shoulder. I have a narrow Elfa door rack centered on the inside of the door and it snuggles into the open space in the middle of the pantry shelves when the door is closed. I have room to hang a broom alongside that on the door. I also keep my Dyson handheld charging on one side wall between shelves. I have a 21” tall dog food container on wheels that sits in the center of the pantry floor and there are still shelves around it. I roll it out all the time to feed the dogs, so it is no big big deal to roll it out to get something behind it. This used to be a coat closet and changing it to a pantry was a game changer for us! I love it. I should say I loved it. We are starting a renovation, so I can’t get a pic. Long story short, I think your plan is great and I speak from experience!
Q