Hey All. I, too, agree that there are rare occasions when a 7X tippet is needed. I'd say fishing size 30s would be one of those situations. The smallest tippet I use is 6X for tricos in sizes 22 and 24. I fish size 28s for midges so then I go to 7X. I guess I shouldn't speak for all leader to line connections because I've only used two, the loop, and nail knot. The loop really gets on my nerves. I'll have to research the needle knot. I also agree that most leaders are longer than they need to be. As far as nymphing tippet, I use mostly 4X in normal water. When it gets low and clear I switch to 5X. My thinking, I suppose, is that it's thinner in diameter and won't be as easy for the fish to see. I think the part of the country and types of water we fish would have some bearing on our tippet size, too. This is a good discussion.