the shakespeares ,where not the best ,actually pretty poor really .that said if used carefully should be ok ,(all the ones i've used are resting on the bottom of the trent) mostly the old match version
i just prefered (still do) the abu's not perfect but you could work with a abu and make it perfect .
best used with 3-4lb lines and used for trotting ,the main advantage is single handed casting ,you can cast & feed at the same time ,once you've got the knack of clicking the front button too cast it really is simplicity too use one ,and you can soon forget your using one as your casting becomes fluid and effortless as you settle into a rythem ,which is why match anglers liked them ,like all reels they have there moments and tangle but it usually only takes a minuet or two too get sorted and back too fishing .
use it ,get the feel of using a closed faced reel ,then pop it on e-bay .and then get a abu c/f and really enjoy using one .
every angler should own a closed faced reel (but perhaps not a shakespeare one :wh )