For absolute distance casting the helicopter set-up is probably best. Fairly tangle free, and the lead tows everything tidily behind it. I am another one who does not like to lose the lead, as said with a helicopter, the lead helps the rig slide free in the event of a break off. If you do want a pendant lead, then I actually prefer a run ring, far better than a lead clip in my personal view. It can be fished semi-fixed with a tight line, and with the run ring able to slide off in the event of a break, there is no weight holding the hook in place.