Well after creeping on the sight for years now i finally signed up due to this thread. HAHAHA I love this stuff.
I would have to completely agree with comments made by shortfloat and DennisT. I've fished many years with a centerpins and they definitely have their time and place, however I like to catch fish, as many fish as possible in fact. Thus, why i now fish a small levelwind. Why... well its only simple logic, you can generally fish quicker though area due to the increased retrieve ratio, your more accurate in longer distance casting, you can achieve more casts throughout the day, in many situations it's easier to cast in confined spaces, and the benefits could go on. I too disengage the drag when fighting a fish, not very difficult to manage this task and utilise your thumb. I know i fish more effectively when I'm on the water with a levelwinds than a centerpin.
There are certainly alot of hero's on the water utilising the stigma of being a pin fisherman as being a good fisherman. Not always the case from what i see out there.