The Saunders Easel is nice, if you have the 11X14 you probably know.
I use it, but have wall mounted Omega enlarger with zero problems. My business partner doesn't like to use the 20X24 with his baseboard enlarger when making smaller prints... yes the column gets in the way with small prints.
But realize, you don't have to use the 8x10 paper slot to make an 8x10 print, you can use the 11X14 or 16x20 slot, this will solve one problem but create an inconvenience of having to use a ruler to align the blades (but after you do it once you can draw lines on the paper to align the blades).
I hope that helps!
Corey