I posted earlier that my reel seat was too long after gluing everything together. I'm happy to report that I found reels that will work (Joy!). In the process (and after talking with my supplier) I learned the following:
There is an (emgering?) standard or at least one person's attempt at starting one?
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www.rec.com]
I also learned that the reels I tested didn't work because, either though the foot was the standard 2.5in long, the thickness of it (dimension G) was too thin (or the taper too gradual), causing it to recess into the hoods too far (compared to the ones that did work). That, or the hoods were too large.
It still stands though that you should test it all before assembly and make adjustments (ie: cut wood insert down to a shorter length) if required.
