TBJ and Drifter said it!
Longer rods (10 1/2 foot and over) have so many advantages that I too believe that they will become the new "Standard" for downrigger fishing, just as they have for serious mooching. I also prefer a slow action and a durable, carbon fiber handle instead of fragile cork.

I just wrote a downrigger rod review for Salmon Steelhead Journal that will be on news stands any minute now. In that piece, I got to review six different rods from 8 1/2 to 10 1/2 feet.

Bottom line: Small boat/fishing alone, an 8 1/2 makes sense but an 18-footer will accomodate a 10 1/2 foot rod.

Once you've "gone long"... You're ruined for runt rods....