Setting your reel drag...Brian Nguyen

[Keta]

Being wrong and admitting it is called learning.

[JasonGotaProblem]

Re Dave's test. Why not the spring scale is fixed the rod (tip) starts a fixed distance away. Like 20' or so. A device like a winch pulls line out against the drag at a preset rate to where it can hook onto the scale. Reproducible and simple.

[oc1]

Here is a test to further confuse ya .  Take a weight and scale it . "I have 2.5 pounds with a digital scale  "  Now run a line down the guides of your stick , Tiegh  the weight and put a loop on the string at ,or near the reel seat so you can hook the scale to it . lift the weight flat stick and note the weight .  Now pick the stick to 80-85 degrees and note the weight . Why does it vary so much?

If I understand your test correctly, your question is answered in reply #23.  You are measuring the effect of leverage.   
On the main topic, leverage will not affect the drag setting vs measurement when the fish is continuously taking line.

-J

As I understand Joe's comparison, I do not think it is the effect of leverage.  If you were picking the rod up near striper guide you would get the same reading on the scale even though the leverage is completely different. The disparity has to be because of friction.