Pretty much have the same opinion as other on the original intent of the thread. Ultra light weight gets a spinning reel and everything else gets a baitcaster, WITH one exception: When bank fishing humpies I use spinning reels loaded with 50# PowerPro. I know it sounds absolutely excessive but the fish don't give a rip, it's as thin as 12# mono, and you can pull logs in from the middle of the river. If it does break it'll break off the lure without leaving 40' of line hanging in the current. I don't fish PowerPro or other microfiber lines from a baitcaster because you if hang up, pulling it free (or breaking it off) buries the line deep into the spool. Seems easier to get it out on a spinning reel.

It really comes down to what you'll be doing with it mostly. Most n00bs to the fishing scene won't have a clue of what to do with a baitcasting reel but can manager a spinning reel with relative ease. So if you're running a boat where you might be intruducing people to fishing that's something to consider.

As far as brands go this varies a lot. I was a died in the wool, nose stuck in the air, Shimano Calcutta user until I tried a Pflueger Trion. Now I own more Trion's than Calcutta's. For the money spent it can't be beat IMHO. One thing to watch out for is some of the Garcia reels (and possibly other brands) seem like a really good deal but the mechanism that controls the level wind never disengages when casting. This feature might be great when letting line out for trolling but it's a detriment to your casting distance.

As for spinning reels really take a look at the Pflueger series of spinning reels. Have some of the best drag systems and smoothest feel I have found in reels under a hundred bucks.

My .02 cents!