I'm in a similar situation to you Keith O, whereby i have a long trip to my marks, therefore i try to do everything i can to maximise my chances - and that emcompasses everything from picking times of day, location, reading weather forecasts, etc. . . . as for gear, i have upgraded my kit based on affordability, and based on progress. That is, when i feel that i have made progress, and underdstand what i may want next, then i've rewarded myself with an upgrade. Maybe a little daft, but it works for me.
When i started off, i spent quite a bit on lures. As i see it, it's the same as bait fishing - your bait is the most important aspect, so why would your lures be any different ?
When i upgraded my rod last year from my Hiro Bass Fighter to my Shukan, the difference in feel was completely evident, and i was at a stage in my plugging where the improvement in feel allowed me to progress a little more. I caught fish on the Hiro, but the Shukan gave me maybe 15% more feel (subjective, i know).
I personally don't think that the reel is as important as the rod. Most reels will cope with what we do (as long as they are looked after, and as long as we are realistic about life expectancy versus build-quality). The lure is the only bit the fish will see until he's at your feet, and the rod is the bit that provides the lure action.
There is certainly no need to feel under-gunned because your rod isnt red though. There are some belting rods out there that will serve you well. From the Mike Ladle branded rods, through the Bushwhackers, Teklons, Shukans, Hiro's, etc . . . you will not waste your money. I've not used a Beastmaster, but it won't be crap. I think that your idea around meeting up with some other guys and trying different rods is the perfect plan. If you do make it down to Wales, between us all we've got a bit of everything, and you will be very welcome to try the different rods, and make your mind up as to whether you'll get any benefit or not. At the Bumble at the end of April, there will be superb rods ranging from £40 to £400, and every one of the rods will be wielded by a grinning angler who will be very happy with their kit (albeit they may be plotting & scheming their next purchase

).
Try and make it down - the most important bit will be the fact that we'll be having a laugh & learning from each other.