Sounds like you had yourself a great time in San Mateo. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us; it makes me want to get to the local show this weekend to talk with "the guys" and check out the gear!
As for the Sage/Redington deal, I'll give it to you straight. I think the "lifetime guarantees" are ridiculous. If you're springing for a $650 rod because of the guarantee, from a relative newcomer like Redington, well...I'll fish with you but always have to question your judgement. :-)
A reasonable warranty period of a year or so seems like plenty of time to ascertain whether the rod has a manufacturing defect. If I snap the tip off in my truck door, well is that really something the manufacturer should cover? It seems like my responsibility.
Personally, I'd rather pay less for the quality rod with a reasonable warranty period than for a lifetime guarantee that can be abused by knuckleheads who abuse/neglect their equipment all because the company will replace it.
Regards, Monte
-- Monte Smith Halsey, Oregon http://community.webshots.com/user/nwflytyer
