Enjoyed the article and have many of the same concerns about rising prices. Just as note, I'm still fishing with my white WonderRod and it's not because I am too cheap to buy a new pole. I have a graphite rod and it just doesn't have the butt to put the screws to a big smallie in fast water. I have refinished the WonderRod many times and would hate to admit to how many times I have fallen while walking in heavy stuff...it just asks for more punishment. By the way, the rod cost $110 back in the early 70s so don't know what that would translate to these days but I am thinking that both graphite and boo rods would not be able to put up with the abuse that old classic has. Newer is better...only if you're on the retail or manufacturing end.