Hi Keith,
Appreciate your point of view. But most barbel anglers ledger, I'd guess 90%. Then I use Daiwa Tornament in 8lb and 6lb. But for float fishing, I think you really have to think first about presentation.
It's ok thinking about abrasion resistance, shock absorbency, and such if you cannot get bites. Example.
Fished near a chap the other day on the Trent, he could only get bites on such fine tackle, landing a barbel would have been a bonus. After losing several he gave up, not wanting to damage the fish, Barbless hooks yes.
10lb hi etc line can be as low as .20 about the same as 5lb Bayer? On a soft float rod with snags all over the place on the Trent, I'd opt for the Hi tec. But it's only my humble opinion. It then allows one to use a hook link of about 6lb, this would be a fine line with a modicum of stretch.
Richard.
Richard.