A couple of more personal, biased, opinions:
Judge every reel on its merits but I was burned, quality-wise, on several BassPro baitcasters when I took up fishing again 12 yrs ago. They contract with "who knows?" to make their reels. Maybe it's made by Pfleuger or Daiwa, maybe some by an unbranded Korean factory. They won't say and frankly, I don't care. A baitcaster spools up to 20,000 rpm on a cast. If everyting is not right internally, you are gonna have a bad day on the lake. I have a bunch of Shimano and Ambassadeur baitcasters, a few of which are 40 yrs old. When needed, I have no doubt whatsoever the parts will be available or I can send any of the reels to the factory or any of a hundred reel repair services to get them fixed 'good as new'. Try THAT with a BassPro! The only place you can send them is BassPro, and then pray they can get a part from the Far East.
Bearings: Better quality manufacturers put ABEC 3 to ABEC 5 bearings in their reels. You can buy higher quality ABEC 7 bearings for $8-10 from various sources; less than an original replacement bearing from the manufacturer. They last indefinitely with proper care and lubrication. Ceramics - Yes they are marginally faster than ABEC 7's and will cast marginally longer. They also cost twice as much, so IMO are suited more to guys "hot rodding" reels than "Average Joe Fisherman".
If you're having problems with a reel, check to see if it has been properly cleaned and lubed before you give it the Evil Eye. Baitcasters need comprehensive yearly service and lubrication of a few key parts more often to work well. I've bought quite a few used reels on Ebay. It's rare to get one that isn't gummed up and filthy, and doesn't need a 100% takedown, lube and reassembly. Guys don't maintain their reels, then whine when they stop working. Maybe it's just part of the modern "Everyting is Disposable" Mind Set. I'm not complaining! I've bought some great reels for not much because of it
