What does it mean by exposed blank reel seat?  Can someone post a pic?  What is the advantage or preferred reason for this?

Thanks.

I think this is what you're looking for.  The purpose I think is for better sensitivity.  Exposed blank reel seat is where part of the rod blank is exposed through the under side of the reel seat.

Don't know about others but my fingers don't touch the exposed blank on the reel seat when palming a reel, so it has no utility regarding sensitivity. But that is what the exposed blank seat is advertised to enhance. Lots of features contribute to or detract from the sensitivity of a rod. I wouldn't pass on a St Croix LE because it didn't come with an exposed blank reel seat, and I wouldn't buy a fiberglass Ugly Stick with one, expecting improved sensitivity. To me, exposed blank and skeleton reel seats are mostly useful because they reduce the overall weight of the rod - which can be good or bad on a particular rod, depending on how the rod balances in your hand. Bottom line, I don't think things are as simple as exposed blank seat = better rod.

to me , i choose a reel seat for comfort ; for the way i palm my reels . with that said , the reel seat i think is perfect for me is the Fuji ACS in the 17 size ..