Another way to look at the height is to question .... whether this height is a necessity to achieve the best SQ ........ or ..... is it just a result of the limitation of using the existing drivers ........
If the answer is "limitations", then I believe faceplate re-design would open up a lot more possibilities for Axiom line of speakers ......

For me, I guess H:W ratio of 1:3 would be more appealing.

There are times when you can afford .......... but cannot buy!!