IIRC the 2500 has felt drag washers and the 3000 has carbon. For JDM models they often include lower gear rations. On Digitaka or Japan Lure Shop just check out the image that shows inches per turn and compare it to the USDM models at alf or tw.
If you can find one the 873 is going to be the rod you want. Trust me, the extra 2 inches on the BC2 aren’t going to make a difference for pitching and the sensitivity goes on the NRX side. I’ve fished the last season as a co angler after about 5 years in a kayak. I consolidated just like you’re doing, and now keep it simple with 4-5 rods per trip depending on cover and expected presentations.
I want to preface this by saying this is like, my opinion man. I feel the best value in the game for high end gear that is NOT technique specific are the Legend Elite/X/Xtreme lines from St. Croix.
My normal tourney day setup is NRX+ 852s, Legend Elite MLF spinning, Legend Elite 7’M casting, Legend Xtreme 7’1MHXF, NRX+ 873, Legend Elite 7’4”, Steez AGS XH. If I’m putting those legend sticks up against NRX and Steez competition I believe they perform and do so very well. They aren’t going to be the “best” at anything but d**n they do everything in their weight range so well.
I fish from a kayak so while I have a couple sticks which do 1 thing only I value versatility.
For your direct question of trading for a blade. I’d pass. The p5s are great but you’re already losing $150 in the trade as well as any warranty support. Plus the blade is significantly less versatile compared to the Xtreme. If you need a chatterbait rod in the victory like checkout the rip n chatter.
My Legend Elite 7’ medium is my absolute favorite rod. I ask myself about the below if I’m needing to fill a slot for a tourney or just to beat the bank.
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