For the $$$, I'd go with the corsair 400. I've landed many decent fish with this reel with no problems. Plus like you already know, if you do fry the drags with a decent fish, shimano will replace them for you at no cost. Also there is a guy on Allocast selling some brand new ones for 50.00.

BTW...I throw plastics on my chronarch all the time :+ Why wouldn't you?

Good luck,
Don