I just ordered a Pflueger Patriarch and *** spinning rod for my uncle.

Get a Pflueger President for $60 and spend the rest of the money on lures.

Stradic on the auction site. That's where mine come from.

I don't think I've owned a spinning reel that hasn't needed some kind of attention if it's been used hard.  My freshwater reels IMO are not used very hard, even though I use them daily.  They are perfect after about 5 years use, I happen to use Pflueger supreme and all they get is a drop oil once in while, but I think just about any brand should fair well over time.  I'd be happy to try another brand, can't justify a new one while mine are still functioning as they should.

I've seen a couple stradic FJ's for around $135-$150....is this a good price? Thinking a 3000 size would be ok? Anyone else know anything about the Cabelas Verano spinning reel - I heard its similar to the Daiwa Ballistic?

If you're going with a Shimano look at the Saros & Stradic to get the worm gear oscillation. The Shimano AR assembly is probably the most sturdy and easy to maintain. The Daiwa Air Bail feature is nice. On a bang-for-the-buck basis, Pflueger spinners are hard to beat. 

Just ordered a Shimano Stradic FJ3000.  Can't wait to get it and take it out on the water!

The Pflueger Supreme should be on that list. Magnesium body and 6.2:1 gear ratio makes it an attractive reel.

Daiwa Ballistic on the auction site for 140  would be my choice, and I have the stradic and the Procyon and a smoke. Ballistic is my favorite