The Fenwick HMX is a good rod for the money and is a little stiffer than the HMG. It has good sensitivity and some backbone. Looks good and the price is right at around $100.
Your ability to fish hasn't changed. Just keep at it and you will start catching again. Like you said, salmon will be in close soon and all your time casting will pay off big time. Keep casting.
Like was said, your spool is over-running. I think it's a set of magnets that need to be adjusted to prevent that. Once a baitcaster is set up properly, they are much easier to learn and fish with. Good luck.
Not all of us can afford expensive gear, so when something like the Shift comes on sale I jump at it. I don't think insulting people for their choice is very smart.