sorry if i seem dumb, but since you don' want to "overload" a rod can u "underload" one?? By this I mean will the action of a 3/4 oz. swimbait be affected or look un-natural if i throw it off a rod made for 1-5 oz swimbaits...or better yet can i use my lighter swimbaits and throw them off a heavy crankin rod....or is this like most things personal preference

I say no problem. As long as your rod loads up well enough to cast your lure the action should be fine. I don't cast for distance, I cast to where I want my lure to be. If the lure weight isn't too radically off the parameters of the rod, it's ok. I consistently use 1 oz lures on a 3/4 rod or the opposite with a lighter lure for a rod with a heavier rating, this is going to vary on the particular rod you are using.