The bands indent the cork and can split the cork rings, Also when fighting a big fish the front of the reel comes off the handle and feels like its falling off.
You want a ML moderate action with some back bone, lots of people making dead stick rods now days. Mine go for $90 but JT and TUCR sell for $129. Guessing you can buy a Chinese built for less.
Home Depot 1 gal Paint rack $4 They also make a 3 gal rack that fits the Big Buddy $6. No mods needed flip upside down and it hooks on the handle. I just bought one of each last week.
I have all 3 and the FLX-28 catches as many fish as the others. If it were me I would buy the one I can get a deal on. Like new Flx-28 sell for $400 on FB market place. Would not spend $700 for a new Flx-38 again. There was deals on the Flx-30 if you can find them still.