What gear ratio do you guys prefer for worms and jigs?

6.2:1 or 7.1:1....

6.2:1

7:1 no doubt about it.

What are the advantages of a 7.1 over other slower models?

What are the advantages of a 7.1 over other slower models?

You can get your bait back to the boat much quicker this way if you don't get bit.

If you do get bit, you can get the fish out of the nasty stuff quick or you can catch up to those who are running toward you pretty easily.

It was only a few years ago that the Abu round reels with 5.3:1 were considered high speed.  My Abu power 4 is labeled a blistering 3.8:1  

6.2 or 7.1

Enables me to turn the fish quickly and move him/her away from any limb, rock, dock piling, etc. as quickly as possible.