Charters use Battles because they're vertically fishing. They're not surf casting. Penn pre China was my go to saltwater reel for years if I had the luxury of getting a Vaan Staal pre China I would have. The bail closing issue is a known problem. I own Shimanos, Quantums, Daiwas, Fin-Nor, and have owned several other brands. This has nothing to do with Shimano vs penn. OP wanted honest Battle experience so I provided it.
Claiming I'm sponsored by anyone then doing nothing but defending your brand of choice and bashing said brands is just as funny as a dozen posts complaining on a forum about people complaining on forums, it's absolutely hilarious BTW.
Just Man up and admit the brand Penn dropped the ball on faulty products and had a chance to address the issue with the re-release and didn't.