Yes, I do have a different opinion.

My preference is FOR the uplocking reel seat. On the down locking reel seats I tend to rub the knurled rings and the reel becomes loose. I don't do this on the uplocking reel seats.... perhaps the downward weight of the reel itself on the locking rings provides some pressure to keep them from coming loose as often. I won't even buy a rod with a down locking reel seat.

Oh....I have never had a problem with the rod seat stickng out below the reel either. In fact they build them intentionally with a fighting butt on the end on a lot of rods.

Guess there are opinions boaf ways.
That's what makes it interesting.