Rod butt length is determined by the type of rod.  ie carp rods for distance require a long handle to get the force needed for the cast. 

 The positioning of the reel helps to balance the rod as well.  Since Walkers day 1950/60's it was accepted that the reel needed  to be towards the top of the handle.   I think I'm safe in saying 98% of anglers accept that this is correct, and that the design of the rod takes this into account.

id go back to rings any day.

reel fittings are too far back for my liking, i liked it better when you could get the reel right at the front of the corks so when you were fishing a stick you had the end of the corks behind your index finger giving a much stronger grip because you were squeezing against the cork end and back of the reel stem.