Hi Matt,
I have the Shimano baitrunner too, and will not recommend it for popping the Andamans. There are some good fish to be caught there, but I think the realistic limit of the 6500B is around the 30, maybe at most, 50lb line-class range.
With all those graphite-y bits, something is bound to crack once you put the pressure on. Provided you get enough drag out of it - that may be another problem.
Coupled with the weight and the 'clunkiness' of the handle, I strongly recommend you look at other alternatives such as the Saragosa - you may have a chance of getting away with that. Have a look on Ebay for the stellas too - you may be pleasantly surprised how much some vendors are selling the old Stellas for, once you convert it to GBP.
As for rod being secondary to the reel, I think in popping and jigging, the converse is true...