I use the XM2 solely for pleasure, with one or two small projects on the go. Bought it from, would you believe, Warehouse Express. First time I've used them and very satisfied with the service - the price was good and what's more they had the camera in stock ! They checked before they took the order, unlike your experience with the mic ! Very pleased with it although the mic does tend to pick up anything and everything and is not much good for picking up the speech of anybody who is talking to camera and standing about two metres away particularly if you're outdoors.

The XLR to mini jack cable is about 18 ins long

Regards

alanc