> "You are paying for a few pieces of pipe with holes drilled in the sides. "

From what I read, it seemed you're paying for the galvanized rings AND the struts...not only the rings.

As for bolting in to the end grain....

I built a dome with my family back in Wisconsin in 1982. It used the same type of hubs pictured in this particular construction kit, and 2x6 struts. The struts were "bolted in the end grain," just as you object to for being "weak."

That dome has withstood 3 tornados. 2 were direct hits, and one went past it about a quarter of a mile away. One dropped a 75 foot tall oak tree directly on top of the dome. The neighbor's log cabin did not suffer a direct hit, but did have large and costly amounts of damage. The dome needed some shingles replaced.

So...I'll just say that sure...maybe the method of connection you suggest could be stronger...but if the method they're using will survive 3 tornados and a direct hit from a flying oak tree...I think it's probably strong enough, and that the strength difference won't matter much....

Of course, the tornado might have dropped an 18 wheel semi-truck tanker on top of the house, and then the strength differneces might come into play. But hey...how many houses suffer a direct hit from a flying tanker truck?