Quote Originally Posted by Gemrod
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I have some very good old geezers, and when they build a rod I ask them what reel they intend to match it with. They say the cheapeast they can find, with total disregard for weight. They say it is just to hold the line. .
One of the truest statements made. I buy cheap reels myself. They are just there to hold the line. The rod does the work.

All of the scenarios you've played out have way too many variables, such as the type of line, WF, DT, floating, sinking etc. and weight of the fly attached to the end. Each variable will have an effect on how the line casts.

Pick a combo that you feel comfortable with. Otherwise your just over analyzing the whole thing.