i don't see how loomis selling blanks would be "bad business sense", it seems to work for lamiglas, st. croix, and just about everyone else who does it. i'd be willing to bet the margin is higher on blanks, too(no labor involved in wrapping guides and fitting cork).

offer them with no warranty at a reasonable price and i'd buy a few. i hate graphite reel seats, and build mine with weibe type handles(which i can see loomis has discontinued on the IMX as well). just not big into factory rods much these days.