How we stop the lead from mashing the leader is we use Tiny vinyl tubing 1/8 ID, about 4 to 5 inches long, backed up by a GOOD swivel. Then a 10 foot leader. Just like Ramstrong's pictue.

I went to a stiffer leader than my main line, that seems to help it drift out straighter.

I use 3 snap swivels, covered with latex tubing, to help keep my leader up off the bottom alittle. The tubing protects the swivels and my main line from ever being nicked or getting tangled in them.