I cant stand Apollo for the same reasons you are stating the only time we Use it is if we are overlashing over a river or something like that. The pull like a bitch as well. Worst lasher ever built I am sorry if you are stuck using one everyday all day they will cost you production. You are correct about paying out the wire I trainied my guys to tape the wire off payout what you need to get to the bugnut then cut and swap it, otherwise its gonna fight you. They are terrible off of hooks.