That's what I say too...too long!!

Depends on what you want. If you aren't going to use it mush a cheaper dome tent one might do the trick. We bought one from KMart for $140...took it on a desert trip and by the end of the trip (6 weeks) at least 2 zippers were had it
So...depends on how much you want to pay I guess....we went out and spent the money on a decent centre pole jobbie....