The reason for the distance between the two posts is that I wanted to have 4 lag screws holding it down to the wooden base (my bench top). I could go with two, which would cut the distance in half. I don't forsee that being a serious problem in the near future, but it is a 10-minute reconfiguration if I get in a bind. Also those rods, while they may bend a bit, are cheap and easily replaced.
-Michael