There are only pole bending problems with the REI Halfdome if you are a complete idiot and ignore the instructions provided by REI with the tent (or in their video). Erect any tent incorrectly and you will create problems. The Halfdome is remarkable value for money yet has performance and room to compare any of the suggestions you make (not the Hilleberg of course which is in a class of its own- and a price to match).
BTW I bought my HD at an REI bent and scraped sale, very slightly bent cross pole which I straightened myself, and not a mark on the fabric. My guess was used once by an idiot. Cost me a whole $25. If I had to replace the bent pole, it would have cost $15.