Assuming that there are no knots to pass and that the line is relatively light, is there any reason for a first guide larger than a 10, assuming that size guide will keep the line off your hand? I have gone largely to spiral wraps with micro guides and have started stepping down as rapidly as possible. Is there any advantage to a larger first with regards to casting?

The first guide on a casting rod is generally the level wind mechanism. So the line has already been brought down to a fairly small opening and is strongly controlled even prior to getting to the first guide. You're on the right track. As long as it fits the criteria you've mentioned, you're okay.

..........

I routinely use 8 and 6mm double ft guides and on some rods a 5mm single ft. for strippers.

I would suggest on flipping/pitching sticks you stay 8mm and above to make the line easier to grab with out grabbing the blank.

I also suggest you not use all micro guides on these types of rods either, but rather step down to the micro’s as there is a problem recently found with a conventional wrap and all micro’s, when you pull an excess of line out between the reel and stripper guide. But to my knowledge, it does not affect other rods.

Not doing conventional set ups, I’m waiting for some info from others working on this, the best way to prevent it, or the adjustments needed to prevent it.

Steve can you please elaborate a little more on your statement "I also suggest you not use all micro guides on these types of rods either, but rather step down to the micro’s as there is a problem recently found with a conventional wrap and all micro’s, when you pull an excess of line out between the reel and stripper guide. But to my knowledge, it does not affect other rods. "
I plan to build a spiral wrapped rod with micros and your comment has caused me to have concern
I plan to step down quickly and basically use only three different guide sizes, so by interpretation, I believe I will be ok, but just to be sure.
I want to know more about your thoughts and opinions.
Thank you

Obed;

You will be fine. The only rods it has showed up on are flipping and pitching sticks, and as far as I know only on one builders rods.
I've not had this problem on any rod I've done, so I can't elaborate yet.

My reason for not posting is that I don't know whether it is a guide problem or design problem with the rods, and because they are not mine. I don't have all the facts, and don't want to say anything that could be misconstrued to mean something else.

Thank you Steve.
I'll make sure to extensively test my guide placements more than usual because I do intend this to be a pitching rod.
However, I only pull line when flipping not pitching.
Those kind of "heads ups" are valuable, especially to novices such as my self.
tThanks again.

Obed;
"However, I only pull line when flipping not pitching"

Same here!
But occasionally I will flip a time or two in the middle of a pitching run while I've still got my pitching rod in my hand. That is the only reason I included pitching style rods in the post.

Are you saying you NEVER combine vertical lure drop while pitching?

Bill;
If your question is directed toward me?
My answer is yes, I combine vertical lure drop while pitching

But not by stripping out line with my hand between reel and stripper guide.
Always by just popping reel button and allowing lure to free fall towards water or into my other hand.