i still prefer to go for long service branded name like pana and KDK...
and i still will choose those without remote... as the remote and spoilt and need to change battery if use for too long and never use the remote for too long. battery leak.. hahaaha...

those aplha one sure looks nice.. but not sure how long they can last.. as they are more towards on outlook then the durability...

i think you can cut the rod.. or maybe push the rod all the way into your plaster ceiling...

how tall is the blade of the fan from ground after installing?
if more than 8feet should be ok...