Yeah, that extra length really shows you the low spots you'd miss with a shorter tool. It's brutal for the ego but saves you from a wavy floor later. Totally worth the hassle.
Funny how that works with so many things. The longer measuring tape shows every dip in the floor. The honest friend points out the flaw you missed. Even a slow computer makes you realize how many useless programs are running. The extra effort or the blunt truth stings at first, but it always gets you a better result in the end.
Wait, a 14-foot straightedge? That thing must be a monster to handle. @nathan_barnes is right about the ego hit, I can't even imagine trying to store that.