Even for DMB, running 17 ft is overkill in my opinoin. I prefer to run at about 11 ft, stack side, which for alot of the amphiteatres will put you about a foot above the subs and a foot below the stacks, which are angled down a bit. I will then angle my mics up a couple of inches, running XY or DIN (depending on where I physically am in terms of the direction the stacks are pointing out). This results in more of a natural sound in my opinion. Running the stand up 17 ft, hugging the stack can produce a really harsh tape.
That being said, the bogen 17 footer is a great tool simply because the bottom is completely flat when it is compacted down, and this will allow me to stick it in between the seats and tape it to the seats without extending the legs and it is secure.