Amish Ed,

The 975 would be too much reel for the rod I got with 15# line? Or would that reel still not be too big and open me up to another weight class? Its probably not wise to try and buy dual purpose equipment.
It seems odd to me that you should have to worry about a bearing rusting out on a brand new reel(Calcutta) - because of a lack of design. I have enjoyed all of my shimano freshwater reels. Even the cheaper models I have work flawlessly. But that defect in an otherwise well regarded reel bothers me.

Ken