that's exactly what it is, a starter unit for people to learn with. i got mine used for a fraction of the price, and when i move and have more room, i will construct my own with knowledge gained from using the AG. not everyone has a whole room to grow with. it's great for a few plants for personal smoke, and the plants def. get over 6 inches tall. and why do you need a plant to be tall to be good? they have dwarfs now that will give an ounce each and don't get over a foot and a half tall. i'm sorry us "aerogardeners" aren't up to par with your grow methods. i guess that makes us queers, right? let's see the journals of you all mighty grow-gods that hate the AG so much. mine is working great and i will continue to use it for small, EASILY concealable grows. if you're talking abotu growing to sell, then go somewhere else and i hope you get caught. thank you very much