Linewinder

Crestliner, I recently acquired a No. 1953 with the cork spool. I find it to be a very pretty reel. I checked the Pflueger website (pfluegerfishing.com/antiques/antiques-name.html) and found that it was made from 1956 to 1973, according to the site. However, there is an advert for auction on eBay where the seller knows for certain is in a magazine from 1953 (ebay item 7183606208). The picture in the ad doesn't look like mine so I am still on a quest to figure out mine's age. I have seen some examples without the cork. Is/was the cork something that was interchangeable? How far could you cast with that handle spinning around?

I am contemplating a new ML spinning outfit 10-12 lb range, 6ish ft. I am certain that I want a reel that is 1) smooth and 2) does not wobble when reeled in. I can't stand to have the take-up out of balance. But I also can't spend a ton of money right now -- say $40, but will consider those on sale or used. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Is there a point where one would choose, say monofilament, over braid (or the other way around)? Too heavy? too light? I'm contemplating a new spinning outfit for 10-12 lb range and am wondering about braid.