Ditto to that, I'm in the middle of the same process with the same blank, this will be my exploring GT popping rod to sort out my needs. Reels will be Stella 8000 or upgraded Spheros / Ultra Jigman PE 4 62lb for local, and a Stella 20000 / Ultra Jigman PE 6 86lb for GT trips, the reels are on jigging and a T-Curve 10-15kg rods at the moment, 'waiting'.
Sachin Chaudhry was happy with his 700XH, as is Luke, just recommended a longer foregrip than his 10" std.
Hal, your help and recipe will be appreciated putting this together.