The reels with the fly open level wind mechanism were built by Daiwa. They proved problematic over the long haul and they stopped building them within a year or two. Some reels have stationary level wind guides on the cast and others continue to move. It depends a lot on the size and type level wind reel. Larger reels meant for striper or light salt live bait use still have moving level winds on the cast and the retrieve. Most small level wind reels intended specifically for bass fishing do not. The makers of reels which are intended to use light or small diameter line decided that having a stationary level wind mechanism on the cast reduced casting distance less than having the spool turn the mechanism during the cast. Getting rid of the mechanism completely will increase your casting distance. But in bass fishing we rarely need phenominal distance and the user friendliness of a level wind trumps a few extra casting feet which we would never use anyway.

Bobby,
No apology needed! I just appreciate the advise. I'm game for any disscussion regarding reels.

In general, my butt guide usually ends up on the 19-21" range (as measured from the reel face). Recently, I've not used a guide larger 6mm for my butt guide. I'm using a spiral wrap, though, which might affect the butt guide size--not sure. You'd just have to test cast to see.