Q's about Nixon-Stone and CCLM

[cb_j]

G'Day!
My pot still has been put into storage. i'm getting lonely without my still. i want to build a reflux column, albeit a short one, to do single runs of some ferments, and build up strips and do vodkas for other ferments.
Its smaller than my pot still boiler, and i've got more stipulations regarding construction.
The pot to be used has between 10 and 16 litres of usable space depending on what i'm distilling.
Height is restricted, VERY... the range hood over the gas stove is very low.
I'm not too fussed, because i'm figuring it would put me in smear land for reflux, or a cleaner pot distillation, which suits me just fine! I'm NOT chasing 95% with this setup.

So on to the topic questions..
Nixon-Stone Offset Reflux.
I see most people buy T's for the parts. Is there a reason for this? The column from the boiler, can it have a 90 elbow that joins to the extension? Is it easier to cap for a thermometer with the T? Is that the only reason? What if i don't use fittings, and cut and solder the pipe, strength concerns?
With regards to the extension between the main column and the condenser column, how long can it be? I'd be able to squeeze a few more inches if the reflux condenser stuck out a little further.

CCLM.
Pretty straight forward design.
Regarding the hole on the underside of the top most column where the distillate will run down into a product cooler, is there a practical sized hole to be used? Can i make it massive so that 100% of the distillate drops down and have a type of sleeve around the reflux condenser that closes off the hole when in full reflux?

I've poured over designs and these are the questions i'm left with.