Skeeter,
I, unfortunately or fortunately, at one time or another have possessed much of the iceberg. It's a bit of a misnomer to say the Scorpion is the best casting reel among the Shimano lineup as the DC reels, Antares AR and Conquest reels are all better performing but there is no denying the value of the Scorpion.
The Daiwa Alphas is the Japanese market counterpart to the TD Sol and has a couple upgrades from the Sol like a nicer handle and I believe corrosion resistant bearings. The Alphas blows the Scorpion away but at a much higher price. The finishes on the Japanese market reels, unfortunately, is not much more durable if any than their American market counterpart, but I agree they look better. The Fuego has been rumored to be a US Market TD-X Air Metal and while it might share the same lineage, the spools are not interchangeable so something is different with them.
Bottom line, if you're happy with the Scorpion, stay with them, be cause once you start down that iceberg, there's no climbing back up!!
Happy New Year!
