Some folks on BackPackingLight were talking about a design improvement by replacing the cross piece with 1/2 inch Pex tubing, easily and cheaply (approx. $2) obtained at Home Depot. The idea was that it made the tent more rigid and prevented the pole tips from poking holes in the top of the tent. It requires heating and bending the ends of the Pex to a 45 degree angle. I may try that since the Pex is so cheap. It even comes in red!