Love conventional reels but you throw them out on how to use or not use and yikes! It is always a argument. What ever floats your boat use and learn from your mistakes what ever works for you go for it. I love mine the newest one I have is at least 20 plus years old still working for these fat thumbs.
dingbat that there reel you have is a beauty.... When I was around 10 years or so old would practice in the street with the plastic casting plugs and everybody that drove by would always ask me catch anything.