i have always read that you never put your hand forward of the cork because it changes the stress point on the rod. my assumption is these "experts" do this for a couple of reasons. 1 they are filming for a show and can't afford to fight the fish all day, 2 they want to look cool in the magazine picture, 3 they are probably sponsored in part by the rod company and thus have an almost endless supply of rods. if you blow one up its "oh well, i'll just get another one from the company" kindof thing. us average fishers can't afford to blow a rod up over something stupid or because we are pressed for time. especially with what they cost these days. just my thoughts.