I still feel that a part of the issue is that some choose an Ultra when a Plus would be the better choice for the fishing they do.
To be fair Chris I've often wondered if rod choice has been anything to do with the numerous reports of breakages but the thing is I've not really heard of any reports of blanks failing under fish pressure, always as Nick and Keith (and no doubt countless others) have stated such as ringing up or general inspection/use of the rod.
I think I may have read of one report in a different thread of an Acolyte failing under the strain of a relatively small fish which should have been well within the rod's capabilities?
To be honest if a blank gave way after a good workout, or even an overly good workout beyond it's intended purpose but then gave way at a later stage I would be highly suspicious of the quality of the blank... Mine have all gone way beyond their intended purpose but remain as good as day one.
You can brand them Ulltra and Plus or Specialist and Specimen but I wouldn't accept it... We all hook fish beyond the general capabilities of the rod and I would expect to land them without any current (or future) adverse affect to the blank.
I still reckon there is inconsistency in the manufacturing process, possibly because the tolerances have become so fine in order to gain an edge and market positioning, and that some people are paying the price in failed blanks irrespective of Drennan's reactions after the event.
Acolytes are imo a lottery as far as I'm concerned and there's no bias there, Drennan would be my first point of call should the unthinkable happen but there's clearly something wrong with these on the whole.
Would I take a punt on one?
Probably...
But only if it came with a return label.