This info might be of interest to you.
One of my hunting spots has a ladder stand missing one of the ladder sections. The owner's son in law is afraid of heights. Still it never got used so he basically gave it to me.
I have a 16 foot ladder stand set near to this 11 foot stand. Depending on the wind or deer patterns I will set up on that short stand. I've taken deer in both but I have to be extra cautious in the short stand.
The lower you hunt the less forgiveness you have. Plan accordingly to your situations and limitations.