TE's are worth the price but not a penny more.
I have a 151 and 401 and let me tell you that the good ol' calcuttas are hard to beat especially when it comes to value. I have had the original 400 but sold it after the second trip to John's in Everett to have it repaired. Only years will tell if the TE s will stand up to more abuse than my first calcutta. Expensive to "risk" in the salt but the one's I've used have done fine with regular and correct maint. I have tinidads on my downrigger rods. Same price as the 401TE but I don't like the levelwind for trolling situations. In fact a guide in Florida who specializes in the inshore species uses them as personal reels and he's the one who sold me on them last spring. He had the utmost confidence using them while fishing Kings with me in Neah Bay this last summer.
Money doesn't grow on trees so look at $350 as a test fee for that TE. Ten years and or a thousand fish is worth it to me but I've had both of mine for 9 months. My 401 might be sold in the future too. 151 won't touch even brackish water.
My old man's favorite reel for the salt is a TR; new one goes for $74.99.
Bad luck with curados and most graphite framed reels used for rugged fish. Bass reels are for bass.
If any one is having problem with their drags on a TE, it probably needs to be looked at by a repair professinal. My 401 has touched a 40 inch steelie at least two kings over 40 inches, the time and abuse to find and land these fish (with some luck) and many more, and salt water. Not to mention a 70+ pound halibut. It still functions flawlessly.
Choices, choices.