Bob, they were probably talking about flipping heavy cover, which usually is
with heavy baits and in this application, line size means squat IMO as far as
bait action.

Now as far as their amateurs, those amateuers are fishing with them in a
tourney, otherwise why would they be in a boat with a pro. Those amateurs are
competing as well, not for the same big money, but for money or a boat
nonetheless. I do not want to be the am in 6th place at the end of the day,
4lbs out of first and a new boat, who lost a big fish because of wimpy line.

I think most of the comments made by the pros are just what you said in many
parts of your post Bob, they are talking tourney fishing, not fun fishing and I
do not think they are being line "snobs". There is no reason to make your line
a potential handicap when tourney fishing. I have learned this from experience
and I bet there are few others around here who have as well.

Brad