I think if the pole was simply made the thicker size as it is at the bottom half, it would be fine. Mine bent right where the thick and thin halves come together. It is more than an inconvenience, as once the pole gets "shorter" the tent walls lose tension, and thus their ability to shed wind/rain.
I was going to try guy outs about 18-24" up the wall from the bottom. Grommets need to be added to both front doors, one in the middle of the rear, and a couple more along each side to really make it bomb proof.
