Mark,
It's a shame I missed you. Didn't get there 'til 1PM on Sunday.
Went to the casting pool around 4 with the T&T SC 9'6" 9wt. It's a medium fast rod that's got a lot of power if you are patient (not a well established trait of mine). Should be easy to cast all day while wading beaches and flats. I agree with your assement of the DS 2 much more value there than last year.
Jenks