What's not so hilarious is the long centre-column; that's what I'm stuck with on my big Gitzo, and the single time I tried to use it really low, tripod legs released and parted beyond the normal position, I ended up having to extend one out again just in order to keep the column off the carpet. As a result, it looked like an advanced case of Pisa and as unbalanced in use once the camera was on it. As bad, I discovered that years ago, when I'd bought the head for it, I'd attached it so tightly that I no longer have the muscle to detach it, rendering any ideas of getting a short column void.
On the other hand, perhaps it would have been a waste of time since I never take it out of the house anymore. It requires the use of a modified (souped-up?) wheelie shopping bag. Not very cool.
Rob C