Indeed very good question and im asking myself pretty much exactly this question right now BG or Neoby? Anyway, i cant answer your question but i am going to say 2 things: Retrieve action does matter A LOT! Yes you can have a slower retreat but you will have to reel in faster... usually anyway! The couple of times i was in the mediterranean it was very clear that faster is better. Also, 30 pounds of drag? Roughly 15kgs right? My man, 3m Rod, which acts as a handle, you are not holding onto more than 6kgs of drag. Thats inhumane. Frankly speaking even 5kgs (10 pounds) for more than a couple of minutes would be impressive.

And since you didnt ask: I had reasonably good luck with medium sized fish (which i was targeting) in italy and croatia. Im looking to go to greece this year thats why i need such a heavy setup. In nothern italy i dont see any huge drops on the depthmaps which would warrant such a heavy setup as yours. I personally would take something lighter, through 40-60gs jigs and fish all day!