I've never paid much attention to "power ratings" believing that Line Test range, told me all I really needed to know. I still think this is so but am curious as to how you pros approach this most subjective issue.
If I felt I needed to have a better feel for the strength of the rod/blank I would attach a reel with line on it set the drag for 1/3 the line test and see if I could slide not lift "that weight". Usually the rod /blank was "locked up" before the drag slipped and I stopped to keep from damaging the rod/blank. Not really sure that I proved anything so I stopped doing it .
But am hoping to get some replies on this from you all. If you want to say "Warren,you DS," it'll be ok just as long as you explain WHY I am.
Thanks to all for the information you've given so freely. Warren

Power is helpful, if you view it within the catagory and understand how it relates from model to model. For instance, a medium power freshwater blank would be understood to be less powerful than a medium power saltwater boat rod blank. In the instance that the manufacturer uses a number to designate power (G.Loomis and most others) a #4 in the freshwater spinning line would not be as powerful as a #4 in the surf blank line.

To some it is a help, to others it is redundant. Most rod builders are probably happy to get all the info they can. More experienced builders, perhaps such as yourself, can make a pretty good guess of what to expect by the line rating. No doubt, the line rating speaks directly to the power issue in most cases.

...................