I don't understand why you got a 7000 and a heavy stick. For the waters you fish, 9 feet and a 6500 size reel (with improvements
) is what you need and that would cover most other fishing scenarios. Unless you run down to Assateauge or Hatteras (not likely) the most you really would need in the Northeast is a 10 but a nine works fine in most situations...
But since you are all wound up on the 1205 (it is a nice rod), if you're nice, I might let you talk to me about buying my XRA1205 Stealth Rod or Maybe SchoolieMonster would be willing to sell you his XRA1205 Blank that he has not built yet...