CrappiePappy, I use the 2500 because the larger spool allows longer casts. This is not my original idea - can't remember where I read it (twenty-something years ago), but it's a technique that a few avid bluegill anglers use, in conjunction with longer rods, to allow for longer casts with very light baits. The rod I used in the casting test will still provide more distance with the "toy" reels than other rods, just not as much as with a larger spool. But I have put a Sedona 500 on one of these rods and it still cast a long way, far enough that the guide client using it couldn't stop remarking on the distance he was getting. I used the 2500 for the casting test because this particular rod is designed for anglers who have already tried everything they can, including medium-action reels with larger spools, with factory rods, and are still not getting the distance they want. The 2500 shows what the rod will do at its top end performance.
Longer handles are certainly not necessary for a longer rod. If the handle is too long it will actually cut significantly into the casting distance by interfering with the flex of the blank. I'm building a rod at the moment that will have a handle that's several inches shorter than usual for the length of the rod.