Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I don't normally write reviews, but when I do, the product must be really memorable for one reason or another. I received the rods in a long Amazon tube and I was pretty stoked that I could once again slumber undisturbed by the rising sun and anyone who has driven to work with the setting sun will testify that blackout curtains are absolute necessity. However, that elation was short lived as my exasperation with the product grew. First of all, one of the rods I ordered came bent (see photo). I took a look at the packaging and the box in which it came was not damaged at all. I take it that can only mean the product was already damaged when it was boxed. Second, other reviews are correct in that the two plastic brackets that hold the rod up at each end are made of such thin plastic so flimsy that one is in danger of cracking the piece (which I did). Also, the single screw that hold up the rod at each end are minuscule. These are screws that one typically sees on a toy or an electronic holding the cover fastened to the battery compartment. 'So what? You can just replace the screw with a bigger one...' Alas, that is not possible as any screw that's bigger than the one provides will not fit in that tiny hole up on which the bracket sits. Third, the bracket pieces are released from the rod by pushing down on a tab so that one can mount the brackets first for accuracy then insert the rod into place. The problem arises when a rod, on which my thick, blackout fabric - meaning heavy - curtain is already in place is being mounted onto the aforementioned flimsy bracket with ONE flimsy screw. Needlessly to say, the screw popped out, unable to hold the curtain and the rod holding the weight of the rod. Now, as the makers of this product doubtlessly know, the ones who purchase the wrap- around rod for BLACKOUT CURTAINS probably will purchase BLACKOUT CURTAINS that are naturally heavier than the typical sheer decorative curtains, though it seems it may have completely slipped their minds... or at least that's what I'll presume, giving them the benefit of the doubt. In summary, pay a few extra dollars and get a better product.