Not to start an arguement but it might be designed to cut a foot off but no matter what it will change the feel of the blank without question. No rod can be cut without changing it straight butt or not. This is just the way it is!!

Seriously, its really a personal preference. None of the rods mentioned are "bad". I happen to really really like my 1205(s) as they are versatile both day and night. I also have 2 1209s spinning is an AS, and the conv is a RS and like those too but their use is specific, basically exactly what you said. As some have mentioned the 1209 takes a lot more to load it but effortlessly moves the jig once its on the bottom and just puts the boots to fish. I know several friends who love the new century series but frankly someone would really have put the time into different situations / conditions / locations to have an educated opinion. That all said I really am thinking about trying out a 1327 this year for AM tides, as I think the new setup and certainly the length improves distance. I don't think I'll ever be able to cast as far as some of my buddies, but I would like to at least try the new sticks out. Thats plugging, and thats a different thread however if I was going just really heavy stuff, I think the 1209s even though older style are still worth a look.

Soon my friend..
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own and use the AS 1209 conv. and spinning ,, Great jigging rods but my Century 1328 is more versatile .. I throw 6.25 heavy weight shads with that .. That's as heavy as I want to throw . I've caught literally a ton of fish on SP minnows thrown with the 1328 .. All though it's not the ideal stick for that it works good enough ,, Wouldn't want to throw an SP with a 1209 ,, Can't see that working at all .

I jigged heavy all year with my 1328..no problems at all. It's user preference, whatever works.
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Very informative thread.