I'm partial to shimano product but I enjoy both my 2008 and 2010 premiers.
My decision to purchase the 2010 premiers over the D7 was based on 4 reasons
1- I did not want more 7:1 reels. I have enough of those with my tuned E7's
2- Line capacity to let me throw 20# FC
3- Preferred Premier profile and weight
4- The Premeir is less money and had an incredible sunglass offer when I purchased.
The 2008 Premiers cast very well and very long. They lack drag power. They pitch light lures poorly. The 2010 fixes the drag and pitching problem. Buzzbaits I find even the new premier struggles with but I have E7's for that duty. Overall, I'm very pleased with all my premiers.
If I were buying a reel just to pitch light plastis, the D7 would have gottem my attention more strongly.
$300
Re: $300
I got a few Premieres '09 and '10 and i have not touch them at all last year and probably wont this year either. I got so many Daiwas and Shimanos that i sometimes forgot i even owned any Abus lol. I have my reels setup for specific technique and weight and it seems like Premiere is trying to be an all rounder which is not my style. I also think the 20lb drag is overrated when you can get carbontex for just about any reel and i have no use for 20Lb either. I have no problem fighting Muskie in MN with my 201DC and weak drag power and i prefer torque over drag power. Crazy Cranker with 100mm I'ze handle is my cheap mans torque LP reel.