There are various versions that lift to different heights.
On some high reach ones, the platforms are stepped.(raise to different levels)
Some of these units seem to have the ability to go pretty high, but I bet it makes them unstable.
You definitely wouldn't drive around with it like that.
And, with regards to a scale model, I'm already dealing with flimsy construction to keep the design simple, and parts to a minimum.
Fully extended would only be for a specific aircraft/model that requires it,
and how do I know what that is?
As I said before, I'm not designing kits for people to modify, or would require people to modify.
I have to design something to be built in a basic configuration.
...if a modeller decides to modify it, thats their choice, but it can't be a requirement.
Obviously I have to settle on a configuration that would suit most dioramas.
A fully extended position is (in my opinion) outside of that.