Gonefishing, I think that a low profile, level-wind reel is just a pleasure to use. It is also a plus if you are casting heavier tackle since an open face doesn't do this all that well. In the same way, the open face reel will cast a light lure much better than the casting reel. The big thing that I have seen is that an open face is quicker to give you line twists than a level wind. Good swivels and a properly set drag will go a long way toward fixing this though. And since finding the Okuma Stinson reels, I've certainly become a bigger fan of open face reels than I ever used to be. These reels are reasonably priced but perform like they're out of this world. Quality really does make a huge difference. I think that what ever you enjoy fishing with the most is what you should be using. If that is open face, then use an open face. I don't think anybody's going to stop you.
And if you really like fishing with a rod that has some lower backbone but has a super soft and sensitive tip, take a look at those compound rods I was mentioning above. They were developed by a man in Sister's, Oregon, and now that he has passed away, a friend of his in southern Oregon has taken over the rod building for him. You can find them on the internet and read all about their claims. I can tell you first hand that they really do live up to their brag.
