Help - I know nothing (about tripods)

I've had the same tripod since I started photography: a SLIK Sprint Pro EZ that I basically picked up more or less at random.

Unfortunately, it has a few faults:
- pan head isn't as flexible as a proper ball head, though on the upside it's sturdy as hell (no creep under any circumstances)
- bottom section of the legs is really wobbly, pretty much can't use it in any circumstances
- if there's even a small breeze, forget about the center column
- in moderate wind, it lacks stability
- it's not extremely high (especially with wobbly 3rd section)

On the other hand, there are a few things I like about it:
- at 2 kg, it's pretty light, and it's less than 50 cm folded
- quick release locks on the legs
- the pan head doesn't creep under any circumstances

So, does anyone have a sub-$250 tripod+head combo which will preserve the things that I like, while correcting the things I don't?

For reference, I use an X-E1; even with the heaviest lens I own, flash and filter mounted, the netire thing is less than 2 kg so I don't actually need a heavy-duty rig. It just needs to be travel-friendly (small when folded and light - carbon would be good, but not willing to drop $400 on this) and stable even in windy conditions because I like long-ish to long exposures (say, >1/4 s).

Thanks!

Firstly I wouldn't worry abut the weight of your gear - any "Good" tripod and head will support pretty much anything you might want to use. It is more important to consider your uses. Longer focal lengths will need a more rigid tripod, as will longer exposures. Unfortunately this means it won't be cheap if you want to do the job properly!
As a minimum I would look at one of the Feisol Tournament tripods with a Sirui K20x head (or possibly the K30X). This lot would set you back about $530 - quite a bit over your budget! However it would be lighter than your current set up, be far more rigid and won't need replacing in a year or two! Getting a good tripod and head in the first place is cheaper in the long run! Buy cheap = buy twice.

Naturally there are other good products out there but I have used these and rate them highly considering their price.

I think a 'two series' tripod would work great for your Fuji. I spent a year with a Fuji system, they are definitely not as demanding (for support) as a DSLR.

Their are many options for a tripod/head combo. Here is what I would recommend for a good, solid tripod for a mirrorless system for around $250.

Induro 8M AT-214 (I like twist locks MUCH better)

Benro A2580F (If you really wanted quick locks)

Sirui K-20x or maybe the Sunwayfoto FB-28i head.

The MeFOTO GlobeTrotter could also be a good option.

Interesting DavidR. I am not familiar with those tripods as we don't see them much where I live (Wales UK).
Perhaps the Feisol Tournament range are a bit further than the OP wants to go though they do have a cheaper Classic range (but I haven't used them).
I wasted money on inadequate tripods so I didn't want to see others repeating my mistakes, also I like to go a bit OTT with my tripods!