The new quantum smoke has both right? Does that really dumb down your casting abilities as far as distance?

Dumb down?  I don't think so.  I think it simply provides you with more refinement options for varying situations on the water.  You can also get the best of both worlds.

My setup:

Winch 1 brake, 2 stx's 0 centrifical and mag on 3/4, sc mag on half, and BPS JMS centrical 0 mag on 1/2

Two on, four off. Cast control just enough to keep the spool

from wobbling, basically "off".

8-)

X2

X3

on a 6 pin centrifugal brake setup , i use just one on for everything but big swimbaits , then i use two . i have a Revo sx (2009 model) and i have the mag brake set on 5 , they are a little weaker than most reels which is fine with me 

I use a Curado with 2 of the 6 brake pins engaged.  Casts very well with small number of back lashes.