High end gear is all relative to what one perceives it to be, for one mans definition will vary from another. Case in point you will see posted how a Curado or a Lews Tournament Pro is the smoothest reel they ever used,then yet you may see another post saying it is a Core,Tatula or a Metanium. Of course it continues on to left hand retrieve or a right, split grip or solid and then spinning or a bait caster, all are the best and rightfully so for it is all what we perceive them to be.
At the end of the day to me the answer to your question more time on the water and experimenting with different techniques will make you a better fisherman. What grade of tackle you use is all about your comfort zone and we all know there are all different kinds of comfort zones and of course this is just my opinion.