At 60 ft above the ground, it never was a donut shaped pattern. Don't worry about it.
How about on 40 or 20? Isn't that theoretically high enough to produce a so called 'donut' pattern with lobes?
I use this antenna with a balanced tuner from 160 to 10 meters.
In any case I think the slight aberration from ideal is of no concern.
I think your right. I am not to worry.
If I can hear em and work em then that's what matters.
I am not an antenna expert so I had to ask cause I'm curious.
Regards
Q
W1QWT