I disagree Chaser. You’re the one of the guys best suited to answer. We have all realized over time what we like in a combo for weight, casting,drag preferences and so on. Owning so many reels gives you a good base to talk of.
I’m relatively new to the higher end stuff, and not as high end as some others out here. The 500 size reels get a lot of play at my house (boat?) and they’ve done great lately. With ashboom saying he’s looking at a light moderate action and a 6’ rod, I’d be inclined to a 1000/2000 size reel. The only difference between a lot of the 1000 and 2000 is spool size and line capacity, and not much difference in either of those. Frame of the reel is the same in a lot of cases. The bigger spool of the 1000 usually works very smooth and may have more drag capacity than the smaller 500. Of course weight is a factor and I prefer the lighter ones. I own 2 of the Daiwa Regal 1000 (about $70 lately) and 2 more in 2500 (saltwater). Both are a good reel with lots of bearings and light weight. I also own a few Shimano Sahara in 2500 that do salt work also without issue. I’m sure the smaller sizes would do as well. I like to keep my reels around $100 or less and have done well with that price point. I do have a real good one coming one day, I can feel it. I have a couple of rods that I switch reels back and forth on depending what I’m doing that day. My point is that this probably won’t be the last reel you buy and if you don’t quite like it, there’s always another rod for it to go on.

I have two 6’6”, one light and one ultra light. Both have the regal 1000. One has four pound braid and the other 2 lb nylon mono. I have to remember which rod I’m casting when I pick them up or I’ll be putting what’s on the end of the line in the woods. Exceptional casting for both. Good weight and good drags, that would be my choice if I had to pick one. Some four pound hi vis mono and you’ll be set.