I had a Palace and loved everything about it except it packed bulkier than any other tarp I've owned, so I eventually sold it and bought a mountainfly from WB. Both are 11 footers w/ some variant of doors.
I've had experiences similar to SS. I got wet one night with a pretty well-pitched Standard tarp w/doors. That was all it took to convince me to get the Palace. Weight was an issue for me and I "needed" the sexy DCF to satisfy my UL-ness. But the bulk stretches the exterior pocket of my pack to almost the max and is just too big for my tastes. Best tarp I've ever owned and I recommend it heartily to anyone looking for the lightest, best protection.
The Mountainfly weighs more and has less door protection, but the same side protection. I do not worry about anything that enters from the ends with it. And you shouldn't worry about the little gap at the ends of the Palace - if properly hung, it won't let you down.
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