Isn't THAT the truth!
Actually, I just got a new pole because the hydraulics in my old one gave up the ghost and it would come completely apart. Then the first time out I made the mistake of hitting the lever and that thing shut up and hit me in the sternum.... about knocked me off the front of the friggin boat!! I literally have to lay over the darn thing to get it to push back down it's low enough to try to sit on again.... Uhhhh sit, let's say lean against.LoL
I might just try your solution on my old pole, being as it's already disassembled. LOL
Maybe make it 16" or so. :-)
I agree though that it does tend to get in the way. But with my bad back, (neck, middle, lumbar AND sciatic joints)... plus my knee I need it more for stability than anything else.
Sent via space on my S7 Edge