bdank,
In your lower photo, it looks like your "assembler" (DH?) has squandered about 2 inches of height by overlapping the cages too much. Have him loosen the wire rope clips and pull the extension cage upward until there is minimal rod overlap. This should add about 2 (new) inches to your total cage height.
I've just measured mine and they total 61 inches above the potting mix to the top.
Raybo
