That is kinda point I think. I didn't mean to make it sounds like I was bashing anything over $100. Hell, I spend an extra $0.17 each for my spinner beads to make my spinners because they look good to me and for me, I catch more fish on them. Could go and get one for a penny apiece and probably catch fish but I don't.
Loomis, Fenwick, IM?, Garcia, Eagle Claw, Lami Glass, Grigg or whatver you decide to buy, it needs ot feel right to you and thatis all that matters. $20, $200 or $1,000 doesn't matter if you can afford it, it has to feel right.
The old timer catches fish on his old brick rod because it feels right and he knows every single thing that he feels on the rod.
Quality wise, I still recommend the IM8 although I would get an IM7 before the IM8 but that is what I like. But with the ability to get the Lamiglass and try it and then take it back if you don't like it, I might go that way. Never turn down the opportunity to try it if you can return it with no questions asked. There is one rod I would pay the big money for if I could find one though. Kunnan 9' medium light casting rod. I have never felt one I liked better and will likely never find one.
Main point, I used to buy a rod because it looked good and because of the name. It now takes me way too long to decide on a rod because I know what I like and it is hard to find. I won't use a trout sized Fenwick rod but I own 2 of them for salmon and steelhead. I can not stand Abu Garcia rods over 6' long so I use them for trout. Shakespeare, great trout rods for me but I can't stand them for slamon or steelhead. Lightning rods, great for one way I fish but I hate them for everything else.
The nicest, best looking, best made pole I own was a gift when I signed up for a club. Guess what, it will be as pretty in 35 years as it is today because it is the worst feeling pole I have ever owned.
Get what feels right, find it in a pole you like the look of and tight lines!