I don't doubt what you're saying, friend. For me it's a compromise. I don't want a big, hick antenna that would probably get fantastic send/receive. I'm settling for something that looks better on my truck and works fine, at least in my own opinion. Maybe the day will come when I'm ready to give up vanity, but that day is not today. For now I'm fine with the 3' Firefly.
And I fine with that, like I said, I've used it too, it works, but not as well as it's it's longer counterparts. I do understand that's why I 'm not saying you can't use it. You can, and is far less likely to indicate you have a ton of funds at your disposal when you show up at coffee breaks. It also gets you into earshot of a traffic problem - but not a long distance runner for long haul trips. But great for hunting down friends and obnoxious ratchetjawers. It is good for short trips and caravans when you're close together in a group - at least you'd hear each other no guarantees on some days when skips rollin' in...
I just don't want you to lose the fun of radio, it's ok to think short is sweet - that may work with XYL but not for your needs if and when as you said "give up vanity" and need to make a better system with more dedicated components.
I think the route you are taking is great! I had to start out small and simple. It gives you time to acclimate to the new way (to you) things to do. As time progresses, reassess or re-evaluate your needs and you take it from there...You have to start somewhere and this is a good way to look back in life as you evolve your system into more complex and dedicated radio system for your needs.
It also nice when you have quiet moments while listening to the FM car stereo and someone sees you driving by and breaks in to get you to turn around and have you stop by to say hi. It's not long and obtrusive, its' short and when used with a quik-disconnect - comes in handy in moments of having to beat a path to your door when you forgot to have someone mow the lawn while you're away at a college reunion...
What happens with your CB, Stays with your CB...
In my experiences, it's more convenient than an awkwardly long and more expensively - dedicated antenna whip when you have to fight your way thru a group of hungry homeless people vying for your emptied bottle returns - not unlike Airplanes' Fight Scene at the terminal...
At least in using the Firefly you'd have a fighting chance to make it to a Truck Stops bathroom shower stall before anyone else does.
