When is direct drive for backreeling when fishing beneficial?

[Cuttyhunker]

I still troll with the 49's, stripers in New England, grouper in FL, and so my greenhorn guests don't end up busting their knuckles by flipping of the wrong lever I've tied off the drag disengagement lever to a cross pillar in the drag engaged position. Not factory or especially pretty but effective.  To measure off wire line payed out, try tying in a a few inches of braid between pre measured lengths of wire, say five or ten fathoms lengths.  Works at night as you can feel it between your fingers