I agree with you, harleybob. Personally I prefer the look of rods that are less decorated. I do like a nice colored thread or metallic trim wrap as long as it's small. I use single foot guides and start the thread about three wraps from the guide foot. I like minimal finish on the wraps, too, because footballs really bother me. I guess I just like everything that is put on the blank to be minimal, so as not to take away from the performance and look of the rod. I am going to try varnish for the inscription area next rod, so it doesn't get a build up of epoxy there. Now of course I appreciate the skill and artistry that goes into a "fancy" rod; I do not have that skill. I am happy there are builders that can do that for those that want it.