Jet,
Guides have to be in the manufacturer's program to get a discount. I am not sure if The Fly Shop has a guides program, since they have their own guides.
As for choosing a rod, I usually go by the feel when casting in the "parking lot." There is not much else you can go on if you are not out fishing with a lot of people to be able to try their rods out. So far I have not spent over $400 on a rod. I just cannot justify it with the limited time I have for fishing. I have several that are collecting dust, like all my 8-weights. I haven't used one in several years...
Just my $0.02.
Dustin
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