so one of my stands only has 3 screws for the top platform (instead of 4)

With metal tube speaker stands you can pour sand into them to make for a very stable and well damped speaker platform

the long pieces that connect the base to the top platform are split while inserting the long screws.

Base is stable but top platforms are small, suitable for small speakers only

I agree that the hole on the top platform is useless, I just run the cable behind

While it does lack a channel on top platform to hide speaker

I ended up having to take the top platform off to slide the cover in place

Use a hand screw-driver, and when you have to tighten the 4 screws down for the top platform, don't just screw them down completely one by one

These foot the bill price was great construction is fine please be carefully when screwing in the top plate and the base make sure you take care to screw the screws in straight and don't over tighten as it may crack

well as the primary stands on view for our home theater system