Tripods...what am I missing here?

Tripod questions by default go to Belmondo around here. As a favor to learners he has some tripods positioned in some far flung public places around the US -- for viewing and study purposes. You could try your camera on them.
Do a search on POTN for Belmondo + tripod.

Buy the cheapest tripod in the store. Then use it. You will be back at the store in a few months, if that long, getting something a little better... and more expensive.