There is no reason a longer rod has to be noodly. The problem becomes no matter how long you make a rod you can't overcome line drag off the reel and guides, lure aerodynamics, etc. You sooner , or later come to a point where there are diminished returns. 7 ft blanks are my choice unless they become a pain to use due to brush, trees, etc. and they make everything you catch feel bigger due to their longer length. Sensitivity has not been an issue for me.