Blank is XSB802.75, no forgrip, so don't need to keep line up off butt of blank. Guides would be all sf - 6, 5, rest 4s. Will it create problems to simply offset the butt guide and next guide up just enough to skim the line by the blank?

The only way to tell if things will work out is to tape the guides on and try it. Watch for the line stacking heavy to one side of the reel if using a hard pulling crankbait. It may, and it may not. Again, only way to know is to try it.

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Tom,

I hoped you would chime in. I'll pay attention to the line stacking, but my greater concern is the following:

1 - Do you think there will be a problem with lateral guide stress?
2 - Do you think it will create a stress distribution problem for the blank?

You can judge that with taping the guides on and then doing a static load test and see how the line is reacting with the guides in those positions. When I do spirals, rarely is it always the same locations for the guides for any blank being used. You need to set it up and see how things work for the guides and blank being used at that time.

No on both counts

As Billy - no on both counts. Tape the guides on; put the reel on and check the 'stacking'

You're not going to hurt the blank - that area behind the mid section and on into the butt is where the bulk of the rod's power lies. However, if you continually put a lot of stress in that area, then you might eventually see some finish cracking or guide wobble on the guide/s closest to the reel. Being a customer builder, of course, you'll be able to rectify that when or if happens.

One of the best ways to learn if a particular set up is going to work, is to build it and then fish it for a season or two. This is why the guys who've been building for a long time are often pretty savvy builders - they've learned by experience what works and what doesn't

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I am a firm believer in - the closest distance between two points - is a straight line.
I take and glue the top on then run the line from the reel to the top/ Take a look at that. put your guides to conform to the line If you need a bumper put in on
I also have found that a distance from the reel seems to be about 22 " You mileage may vary but this seems to the best for me
Then static test and have the line close to the blank sit in the center of the ring

Then of course go out and test cast I change guides maybe 6 - 8 times till it seems to be right - Then try different sizes hay ya never know that smaller or larger one may work better

Bill - willierods.com

I do something similar to Bill does but completey backwards. I static test the the upper section first except where the last two guides would fall. I bought a bunch of df low profile boat guides and I slide the line thru two different sizes and then the rest of the guides on the blank. With the line coming out of the line guide centered on the reel, I put a really good flex in the blank, and then space the low profile boat guides where ever they need to be and oriented with the line touching the bottom. I could care less how far it casts, I'm only concerned with how well it fights the fish - and my first 180 LOADS EVERYTIME, whether it needs to or not.