Ahhhh, Grasshopper! You have learned well!
hehe, Here's the story on the roots; You have 7 inches. The top two inches normally would be root free if the starter was buried with the topmost part of it at two inches below the surface as it should be.
That leaves 5 inches of growth area for the plant. That isn't really a problem as long as the environment of the roots is as it also should be. No standing water after the draining and adequate oxygen with absolutely no light hitting the roots, ever.
If the root area is large enough to allow the plant to grasp enough media to support itself properly and/or ties are used for support to keep the plant stable, AND all the criteria above is correct, then your plant will be one happy camper!
If not, then adjust what needs fixing and again, your plant will be a harvest away from making you a happy camper!!!!
Good luck my friend. It's good to be back into the swing of things.
Stoney.