All my rods get a plate seat with electrical tape over to secure the reel now. After I re-wrap the one pictured above, I will only have one rod left with a screw type seat on my spinners. When that one goes, I'll change it over to a plate too. I'm happy (sort of) to hear this isn't just a case of user error on my part in some way.
I have a solid set of measurements for the reel seat that I like on different length rods, so I secure the plate seats with thread and epoxy. Tried straight electrical tape for a season, but didn't like having to remove the tape every time I switched the reel or needed to clean it.