[MVP]

I have said the same things for many years. Under normal load it is not as noticeable. For off the shelf rods less guides reduce expenses and increase profits. You will especially see the line cross when fishing a more moderate bend Rod especially with some fiberglass rods with soft tip and moderate action. With that deep bend you need more guides to keep line off he blank. A good Rod builder will do a static deflection by temporarily placing guides on Rod and running line through it and check the spacing of guides and make adjustments by moving the guides to the desired part of the blank to keep line from touching under load.