I had THREEEEE sets of denise needles, one that i bought, one my mother gifted me with, and one i bought when KP was clearing their stock. I loved the Denise needles. the only thing i did not like was the super thick cord. if their cord was thinner like the KPOs i would have never made the switch. I was very sad when i put my last set of Denise needles in the mail to travel to their new home. I almost went out immediately and bought another set to make myself feel better about it...lol
but i have, essentially, two sets of the KPOs now (with duplicate needles in most of the smaller sizes) so i have gotten over it!
okay and i just read your question. some have successfully shortened their own cords on them... i always just use 2 circs for circular knitting... and a lot got the longer cords and are using them for magic loop!