For myself it doesn't matter what reel or rod I am using when I am fishing. I've use my daughter's Southbend push buttom if I have to as long as I am catching fish.
Funny how that rod has survived and was allowed to remain in the trunk of my wife's car for so many years (couple of spoons, smiling bills and some bunker Wildeyes in a ziplock bag). Nothing worse than watching a school of breaking fish in front of you when you have nothing to cast out to them with.... LOL.
When I first handle a new reel I have never touched before, I reel is super slow to find out if it binds before I consider buy it (rubber worm speed). I also reel the bail very slow to see if it will still trip correctly or not. I stop the handle it different positions to see if it will move on it's own, too. I test out the automatic bail at super slow speeds and different positions as well just to learn some of it's finer points.
I don't love one rod or reel over any another. I just like to fish when time permits!
For myself, I enjoyed fishing more when I owned less gear and couldn't afford to buy what I play with now. Simple if good IMHO.