not a hater, not even slightly
do i think its wrong to just tell people "buy Sage or you will be dissappionted cause you didnt"
YES I do, the fact of the matter is everyone has their name brands they like and ones they dream about having when they can afford it. I fish Sage's for my trout rods and i have cast several of their line-ups right through their spey rods (not the ONE yet though) I have also fished and owned several other brands and enjoyed them all. I get enjoyment out of catching fish, catching those same exact fish on gear that costs 5X more doesnt change the pleasure level.
are you actually trying to say that Sage is top when it comes to spey rods as well ??
from what you said they top even the spey market. what about the other highest end rods like T&T, Burkenheimer, RB Meiser, G Loomis, Scott and so on ?
I have cast mid range rods side by side with mid range rods and while some weights or models feel slightly different there hasnt been one yet where it is such a difference that it blew me away. take RB Meiser rods for example, his rods are cheaper than Sage and a few other high end companies however his rods LOOK way nicer with the awesome cork work and feather inlays that others dont do.......now Pieroway rods does also do nice cork work and feather inlays, they also have these wicked reel inserts.
go to your local shop, literally have them line up several rods from different brands and price points and buy what feels best to you