SPS growth ?

I am setting up a new tank a link is shown in my signature. I love the look of SPS's and the branching and tabling of many of the corals but my question is given optimum growing conditions, don't these colonies take years to grow ? When I think about buying a "stick" I can't help thinking I'll be dead before this thing ever hits 6". I think I'll be gearing more towRd colonies and maintaining them as opposed to growing them. Maybe a few sticks until I get the system dialed in but that's it. Correct me if I'm wrong ! Thanks