I believe that you’re on the right page. Recently, I chose the Pfenix 1-5lb blank over the Fenwick for the slightly stiffer middle and butt section. One of the guys at Mudhole had one of the Fenwick and said that he couldn’t set the hook with it. My reaction after a hit might cost me a fish now and then also, a snap of the wrist til I feel something on the other end. I also use braid so it doesn’t take much to give the hook point some authority. Mono or other lines with stretch change the effectiveness of that also. I use mono for spinners or constant retrieve baits, even some curl tails. The fish usually kinda set the hook themselves. I’ve also been known to put small fish that hit close to the surface on their first skiing lesson, some even airborne but I’m not that enthusiastic with the wrist action. Small hooks and largemouth are another story too. Even doing everything right I still lose some of those.