I think a guy has FAR more control in fending abrasion via rod & reel,as opposed to a downrigger,if only due to the increased sense of feel. That with all else being equal,which it ain't.

Myself,I could never resort back to mono as a mainline in any rod mounted application,just as staunchly as I could never run braid on my downriggers.

Braid MANDATES the requisite of needing more finite control and if coddled with a shred of sense in that regard,the [censored] is plum amazing as a minimim. As a broad based utility line,less those considerations,it loses luster rather quickly.

When braid is given a chance,nothing can hang...but once you reduce it to stalwart roles,it pukes quickly.