Yes, you’ll have less bow in the line. That rod is a beast. Need the weight.
I can’t answer the Braid question. I either use 20lb fluoro or 50-65lb braid on my similar setups. Bites are easy to detect with either.
If you want to throw light t-rigs get the weightless worm or all round fast. Falcon Lowrider. $129.
Or buy my combo I’m selling because I have too many:
Daiwa Fuego CT 7.3, Falcon Lowrider “All ‘Round Fast” 7’ MHF, 15lb fc. $160 shipped.