I have recently changed from shimano dl10000 rb's to :-
1st shimano ultegra14,000xtds (now on 12ft rods)
2nd shimano ultegra 5500 xtd's (on 10ft scope rods)
casting is far better, smoother, and just feel rite....as you say it's each to their own but I wouldn't go back to baitbrunners, I'm most definitely a big pit/ baby big pit convert 😁