Squall2 vs StratoSpire2 vs other

have you considered the Six Moon Designs Haven?

https://www.sixmoondesigns.com/tarps/HavenTarp.html
https://www.sixmoondesigns.com/nettents/HavenNetTent.html

34oz + stakes total

(rule out factor for me was cutting it too close with two wide pads, went w/the SS2)

My wife and I have a Squall 2, and it is certainly not a 2/3 person shelter. It is cramped for me (I'm 6 foot)to change clothes and the vestibule is just large enough for 2 packs. It IS however lighter and cheaper than the Stratospire. If you don't have to spend a ton of time in it it is a nice shelter and not much more weight than a tarp and bug protection.

EDIT: Squall 2 is a single wall shelter.

I should note that I'm 6'2" so yeah, the foot print will need to be around 84" long.

The SS has more usable space by quite a lot. Further, two side entrance doors are far easier to deal with than a single front entry, I would guess a person with back discomfort might find this critical.

Rule out factor for me is $200 + $150 and it doesn't include seam sealing.

Good point Rick.

"Rule out factor for me is $200 + $150 and it doesn't include seam sealing."

I don't follow your logic, a SS2 is exactly $349 (+$30 for the seam sealing).

EDIT: btw, consider posting a WTB on Gear Swap if you really want spend <$350 (and most often already seam sealed). I recently had a good experience buying a TT SS2 that way.