Just to keep it apples-to-apples, how would you compare these options in a 5wt? It seems the Rainshadow and MHX can be picked up as a kit for similar prices.

I've tried the TFO and older Rainshadow blanks they made decent rods. I personally prefer the R.B. Meiser and Beulah offerings. Angler's Workshop and I am sure others carry Beulah.

I'm not familiar with the eternity line but i recently built a rainshadow revelation 10'8" 6wt switch rod. I absolutely love it. Caught a few fish on it and it casts like a dream. I have it rigged up with a RIO switch 6/7. I dont know if its just a perfect line/rod match or what, but this rod performs much better than my 11'7" 5/6/7 meiser custom that ive had for years.

TFO DC: moderate action. very smooth. Designed in part by R Meiser. Nice rod, but that color is a bit bright for my taste, and I'd opt for the meiser Highlander Classic series 11' for that reason alone. The newer 11'1" is a bit more expensive (and a much better rod), but you might be able to still get the older 11' blanks that are more similar to the TFO.

Revelation: moderate fast action. a bit more tip action than the TFO. A bit thick in diameter but a nice casting rod for for both T/G and sustained anchor casting.

MHX: fast and light. I really like this blank, but I like to cast "off the tip". People preferring a more classic action may not like this blank as much.

What's "T/G"? I think I understand what "sustained anchor" is. And I meant Revelation, not Eternity. Getting my biblical analogies mixed up.

T/G = "touch and go" casting. Sustained anchor is aka skagit style casting.
Two different two-handed casting techniques.