I think a set-up like this would have been but a dream 10 years ago, but on eBay this kit cost me $200 shipped which I think is awesome value! Sure, it’s cheap stuff (just like the light tent I bought a few years back for shooting Zen products), but it works. The kit came with a green and a black backdrop sheet too. I’m thinking they’re a bit transparent, might have to look at upgrading the material in future.
I tried cloth and its terrible. it creases and as you said, its to thin. I settled on paper roll and fire 2nd flash at rear to blow it out to total white.
Can roll paper out too for complete body shot. Here is examples http://shop.paulpetch.co.nz/our-three-hour-studio-portraiture-workshop-captured-as-a-3-minute-time-lapse-video/
Yes 100%, will look into the paper roll, the pole/stand that this kit came with isn’t the sturdiest, it won’t hold a heavy roll but I’m sure I’ll think of something!