tripod for MF: center column or not

Thanks to all for their help,

I just received from B&H:

Gitzo Series 4 aluminum 3 section tripod (GT4330LS) with added center aluminum column (GS5310S) for series 4/5 (thanks Q.G.) I just put an Arca Swiss Monoball Z1 head on it and am awaiting a quick release lever clamp from RRS to complete my platform. So far, as this is my first tripod, the combination seems rock steady. I will be building muscles with this set up!

Congrats!
You wil not like hauling it to wherever you go, and back again.
But you will know (it shows) why you do so.

Congrats on the new tripod.

I'd stick with a screw QR clamp. They're stronger and work with any plate or an Arca-Swiss rail. Lever clamps don't work with some plates, even if theoretically they are all supposed to be the same.