74IN,
If you bend an 80 meter dipole into a 'C' shape, it does change it's performance. that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be 'bad', just that it won't be a 'classic' 80 meter antenna's performance. Most of the time, you'll never know the difference. The shorter you can make those 'arms' hanging down/sideways, the better off you will be.
I hate to admit it but I agree with 'Wire Weasel', I really like loops. But then, he's sort of loopy to start with, you know??
- 'Doc