LB - I would agree with that entire statement. I think you can get a similar amount of sensitivity from a custom/power noodle but you definitely lose that rebound springing action that you get with a spring bobber. But with that being said, I think that refers primarily to lead jigs as the tungsten jigs being used these days seem too heavy for a spring bobber to "spring" back up. Whether or not lead jigs are still a relevant part of today's tackle boxes is a whole different topic, but tungsten seems to have taken over as the primary material for jigs which makes spring bobbers borderline irrelevant.
Just my .02, I get outfished by "old timers" all the time so experience seems to be more important than equipment anyways!
The one and only reason I use custom rods is because I like being able to choose my colors and have found some quality rods from guys that only charge $40-60, hard to pass that up. I'll be the first to admit they aren't any better than store bought rods though