I went to one of the water heater sites mentioned in a post.
I found all kinds of solutions for installing an anode rod if it is too long
for the space above the water heater - bending the rod before insertion, buying
an articulated rod, drilling a hole in the ceiling and then patching later,
etc.

NOT ONE post mentioned cutting off about 2 or 3 inches from the rod to clear
the space limitation.

Am I missing something since this appears the easiest solution ?
So you lose about 3 inches off the NEW rod.
For all the hassle involved above, cut it and change it again a year earlier if
you feel you need to.

What is wrong with cutting 3 inches or so off the rod ???

TIA