You seem to imply that my camera is older than pierre506's 12x20. Is this the case? Lotus was producing 12x20's well before 2007.
I use a 10lb APO-Ronar 1000mm f/16 on my Lotus. In this case I use a second tripod (with a crank for fine height adjustments) that I put under the front standard. I agree with you, some bending may occur with lenses of this weight. I must confess that I never noticed any optical problem though. In fact, I am more concerned about damaging the camera with such heavy lenses: I do not know how many ULF manufacturers assume that photographers may use 10lb lenses. Lotus has an extra "lock" mechanism in the front standard that is very useful in this case: it literally blocks the lens at the height you choose.
Anyway, playing with the front standard for tilt-shift adjustments with a 10lb lens with some sort of stress-reduction on the bed/standard/mechanisms is wise, that's my main reason for using a second tripod.
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