Spartan, I did indeed have ALL THREE problems with BRAND NEW reels and found these solutions worked for me. These are solutions given to me by national warranty centers.

Anyways,
If you were using a new reel for the first time in very cold weather, the antireverse could have problems since the grease seizes at cold temps. First time it ever happened to me, I brought it in to the warranty center and they mentioned something about the grease or oil in the antireverse bearing having problems in the cold. They had it done in a day. And that happened to two Stradics and 1 Capricorn. Call your nearest warranty center and they'll tell you the quick fix. I had mine done at Aikman's reel repair, a national warranty repair center for both Shimano and Daiwa. As soon as I mentioned the problem, they didn't even blink and said they would have it done by the next day and that it just needed a cleaning and maybe grease replacement. I didn't really believe them at first myself, but I've never had a problem again with those reels. If you don't believe me, call 905 277 3595, and ask for Sandy, the owner of a national warranty center that services both Daiwa and Shimano. Otherwise, here is a great website about reels and reel problems.....http://p077.ezboard.com/fsandmansmessageboardfrm10

The spool problem did occur with Maxima Perfection. But did not occur with other lines. I had problems with Maxima so I stopped using it. I find Maxima works well with Float reels and less well with my smaller spinning reels. I changed line manufacturers and found the problem was resolved right away.

The handle problem I found on some new reels and not on others. I thought it was a design problem too until I exchanged mine and found the new one had no problems at all. A couple months ago, I noticed that a brand new baitcaster had a very weak spool brake. So I went back and found the other new ones also had weak spool brakes. Called the head office and they said they've had some problems with the wrong washers being sent out. Bad batch. So they sent me the new washers, and my spool brake problem was totally gone. Call Daiwa for a new washer or new handle cap assembly and I'll guarantee the problem will be gone.