I don't know about the ego factor stuff. I have used a few centerpins and like them a lot. Takes a while to figure one out because its a whole different type of fishing, especially casting. I love the direct drive aspect when fighting a fish. I still have some old Shimano Bantums that have a switch where you can change them into direct drive and enjoy that option, don't know why more baitcasters don't have that ability. The thing about the centerpins I used that I didn't like is that you couldn't lock the spool. If you were to use one for mooching and you wanted to have a presentation out in the water and then wanted to put the rod in a pole holder while you ate a sandwhich or something, you couldn't, it would keep on free-spooling. However if your just going to cast all day centerpins are a lot of fun although pricey.

Beezer