Good post JohnF. I only use the open-faced spinning reels and have been considering the move to a baitcaster. I tried one for the first time at Lakair this year and made a mess of my first cast. Wish I would have had Lew's advice first, but after a while, I got the hang of it. My wife throws right and retrieves right - switching hands after the cast. May be unusual, but that is what she is comfortable doing. Lew's point is very well taken ... do what you feel comfortable with and is most effective for you. It's an individual thing.
Great post and info folks.