[bitafurnfeather]

Tomcat,

Of course this all depends on the water(s) you're fishing, but the DT definitely has its place. As you noted, it mends (and roll casts) better. It can make a soft presentation easier. And maybe best of all, it lasts twice as long -- just turn it around when one end gets worn. Nobody will convince me that this last feature hasn't pushed the sales of WF by shops in recent years.

Overlining with your DT can be smart too, since it's best applications tend to be close in and the added grains in casts <30' will load the rod better.

I suspect that lots of WF sales are for the same reason that so much money gets spent on drivers in golf (if you'll forgive the golf analogy). Everybody wants to really punch it out there. Just about all golfers would be better off with an hour of putting and chipping practice a week, but the driver's just so much sexier. Likewise in fishing, there's a lot to be said for fishing a short line and getting a great, sensitive drift (look at how the "Czech nymphing" Euros kick the crap out of Americans at every World Fly Fishing championship), but that crazy reach cast to the far bank is just sooooo appealing....

 

[bitafurnfeather]

Once you get past the WF taper it's just small diameter, level running line to the end. Pretty well useless for turning around, particularly on a rod of the same weight that the WF was designed to fit. But that running line minimizes air drag and shoots through the guides more easily which will help you make that 35 yard cast with the two S mends spaced in the middle of it.

Which I'm sure you need every time you're on the river...