I don't disagree with you about buying the best rod you can, I'm just not sure if a fast action rod like that is the best thing going for a beginner......
But you would know that rod better than I. The sad thing is, as your casting improves, your needs improve, and at the cost of this stuff, that can be expensive.
I agree that the Batenkill reels are great reels for the money, but after my experience with one, no one will ever convince me that it was made for everyday use in the salt. I have a DXR now.
Jay