Matt, first my appoligizies for the delay in responding to your question. Not been on the Board of late.

You'll find that 'hinging' won't really be much of an issue with the cut back DT looped to tips. I use them on my spey rods all the time. Vis a vis leaders, with tips you'll be running a very short leader .... 3-4 foot max. Most of us down here on the Rogue use maxima main line for our leader materials, and perhaps just a short run of regular leader material for the actual tippet. The 'stiffer' leader allow for better transmition of energy when your casting/fly turn over. Regular leader material is too soft for heavy/wted flys.
fae