Should Stren Super Braid work with Daiwa Goldcast spincaster?

Well my old Zebco 33 stripped a gear tooth so I went and got what I
though would be a good replacement daiwa goldcast 80 a spincaster. After
trying to use it this past week-end Im not so sure I made the right
purchase. I think I should have saved some money and bought another 33.
Here is why.

First, To go with this new reel I bought some 8/2 Stren Super Braid. I
use PowerPro on my baitcaster (works great) had heard of the stren stuff
so figured Id try Strens braid. This combo didnt work good at all. Tried
all day Saturday to get it to keep line fron "sticking" while casting
but no luck Unspooled it tried reeling it in again and again and again
with no tension to heavy tension. Reel just seems to not like braid.
Plus the line left a green residue on the rotor assembly I had to clean
off.

Second, the next day I took the braid off and reeled on Trilene XL 8lb.
Its off the same spool as whats on my 33 and a spinning reel that I
have. It did better than the braid but the reel didnt impress me at all
as to the distance it would cast.
I can still cast the 33 so I put on the same size splitshot on each
reels' line and low and behold the damn 10 year old 33 casts just as far
as the $50 Goldcast! So Im now thinking WTH is up with this.

My questions:

1. Is braid ok to use on spincasters? any of you use such set-up?

2. Goldcast owners, if any, tell me how you like the reel & your set-up?

3. Should I just take the reel back get another 33 save $35?

4. Zebco Omega anybody have comment on this reel?

I guess Ill try the braid out on the old 33 just to find out what
happens.

Thanks, Ray