I run 5 foot sections, 4 of them. My mainstay is 25ft of rope with 5 foot of 5/16 chain on the end of it, have 2 of these and run 2 most of the time when pulling chains. When the wind picks up I ad 5 foot of 1/4 chain to the end of each set up, this holds a 19.5 BassCat in any fishable water. "Pulling Chains" is just that, your chains need be set for your rig. You want to be able to pull them without having to turn the trolling motor way up. Its all relative to your rig, the weight in said rig, the trolling motor you have. Only time I worry about more rope is when I am in water more than 20 foot deep, which is very rare for me. Socks are a pain in the butt, I pull my chains through whatever is there and socks just wont do that.
Also, this set up stows away in an 18V Dewalt cordless drill box, very easy to stow and takes up very little room.