I used a couple of TFO 5wt TiCr rods for 3 years and loved them. Caught lots good sized fish and casted streamers, double nymph rigs and dries without any problems. Recently gave them to my dad and replaced with g loomis rods I found a good deal on. Was kind of missing the feel of my TFO on my first outing but by mid day I was liking my new rod. I also have a few z axis, a couple of XP's and a few other g loomis in different weights and lengths. I haven't bought a new rod since my TFO's and find that guys are selling used stuff in new condition for about half the price of new. If you do some digging on the internet you can find some amazing deals.
I don't know what others think but it doesn't seem to matter what rod I am casting but after a half hour or so I have adjusted my cast to fit the rod and don't seem to have many issues. I have even casted my dads 6wt canadian tire rod he got on sale for $40 and once I was concentrated on fishing I didn't notice it affecting my cast. It was a little heavier than what I usually use and started to feel that by the end of the day but was still able to punch flies out there and catch fish. I am a bit of a gear head and probably have more rods than I need. But we all have to spend our hard earned cash on something. I guess spend what you feel comfortable spending because every rod will catch fish if the guy holding it is capable.