The longest rods I have are 6'6" medium action with spinning reels and find them suitable for the fishing I do but the real challenge that I enjoy is my 4' 1/2" ultra light, especially when fishing vertically for walley in a boat.
Here is a pic of my two piece South Bend Explorer that I truly enjoy fishing with, in any type of condition
It's very light and you don't heaven get tired of casting with this thing......Just imagine if you hook a 1/2 Lbs or bigger fish on this
To get back on topic the choice of longer rods, I think it's a personal choice, that is, what you feel more comfortable with.
Leechman