if so , what are your thoughts? and who are the rod makers that use them?

The guide train is very important to casting performance on a spinning rod. Many custom builders including myself, use a formula known as 27x for guide placement and when executed correctly casting performance is very good. I've built a couple rods with the Micro Wave guide system and it has worked very well too, better in some cases. I'm not aware of any over the counter rods using the system yet. If you're interested in a Micro Wave rod or have more questions feel free to email or call.

i use them on a couple rods and love them...they are just a little noisy but nothing major really...i like them a lot and the butt guide looks pretty cool lol...i guess they havent been released yet or maybe they have not sure but seeker is releasing some

How would these micro guides work if you used braid w/ a leader. Wonder if the knot would get caught.

i use 30lb braid with a 40lb leader with them and the knot slides through easily...i use a slim beauty knot and works perfectly 

I build spinning rods regularly using much smaller guides and pass connections easily. The small ring on a micro wave stripper guide is an 8mm that will pass any connection you'd use bass fishing.