I know what you mean, but I like packing material on all sides of the item. I saw the smaller box, the $6.80 one, it's just so narrow I'd be worried about it getting crushed. The custom sized box I priced with is a couple of bucks cheaper than the next size up on the flat rate, so seems the best middle ground at $11.35.
I'd rather front the difference, I won't let $5 be an issue. Thanks for the consideration though!
This looks a little better doesn't it?