you are most likely right fishead. but it kinda makes you wonder how much mad profit diawa makes on the reels! some of the reels are extremely expensive. as for the crooked guides, i musta been a lucky one because my rod is bout perfect. i got it from tackle warehouse and it is probably because TW wont accept anything with defects maybe. i dunno i wish i could go to the stores however, but i am cross country from TW! o well, ill be out there one day...yea....dream on buddy...
-patrick