JC,

I must caveat this post with the fact that I am a poor caster....

One of Australia's best casters (Peter Hayes) teaches casting with the reel Always to the side. There is no twist as the reel location does not move. The strength is not transferred through the thumb as a component of the lever, but rather throught the top knuckle on your index finger. To follow your earlier analogy it is like throwing a stone where the line of the stone is determined by the straight line made by that lead knuckle. The rod is held in the normal manner, then a 90 degree twist is applied, sending the reel out to the side. The driver is now the knuckle. It is important not to try and hold the rod too tightly when using this method.

I know I haven't explained this well, but thought the discussion deserved at alternate view.

R

dave