If even the Axiom expert on this site recognizes that surrounds are best a few feet above the listening area, why are the speaker stands for the QS8 and QS4 so low? They'd be awesome with an adjustable height to 7 ft.

That might turn out to be a real balancing act. There may be a few issues with that. 1)How much area would the base have to encompass and how much would it have to weigh in order to provide a stable platform at that height. 2)The diameter of the telescoping / adjustable unit would have to be wide enough to keep it from bowing. 3)Then there are the design / aesthetic challenges associated with this as well, after all, it has to look good.
You could go to your local music store and pick up a couple of tripod style monitor stands for about $50.00(us) each. (that's on the low end) They will get you to that 7' elevation and take up about 3sq.ft. of floor space.

CAV104