Interesting article.
Its funny how you speak about taking a beachcaster and using it for Pike, this is exactly what Eddie Turner did to reach some of the big bike he used to fish for. (Chalk Pit etc)
If you look at out and out distance rods for the beach (5 oz can be cast close to 300 yards!!), you are looking at well over ?300 for a made up rod. Times that by 3 (all good anglers must use 3 rods..hehe) and u are looking at a heap of money.
Having said that, the Conoflex Flattie Fanatic is perhaps the best distance pike rod I have used. It casts 4-5 oz over 150 yards, and is a nice slim blank. Conversly, the Big Bertha Spod rod is being used by beach casters for long range flattie fishing.
As for using multipliers...several problems occur. First is that sometimes, after you have wound up for a big cast, as the bait (head , tail section) wings its way out into the lake, if can sometimes spin or flutter in the air. This can lead to overruns on the spool. Not much fun!. secondly, the rod does not sit too well in the rests, tending to sit lop sided. This can be cured by using tight fitting U back rests or velcro.
I tend to use multiplier exclusively off the beach/rocks and when fishing from a boat for Pike.
One thing I would say above all is that the average "long distance" carp/piker really is not using there gear to its full potential. The over head thump is a very innificiante method. Go to the library and look at John Holdens book on distance casting. The most practical cast for the freashwater angler would probably be the Uni cast. On a rifle range i can put 3 oz close to 160 metres. Add a boillie, and it drops about 10-12 metres. Still a long way. With a multiplier and beachcaster (dream machine GS match special) I can casr 5oz over 220 metres (have my badge to prove it hehehe)...and I am not heavily built. Its all timing etc.
Sorry..i have waffled on...basically, Kevin is correct, a multiplier and beachcaster will out perform some of the best distance carp rods, fairly easily. But will the enjoyment of the fight be lost?