the drag issue is about lateral deflection in the spindle - you need zero spindle deflection with a high drag load.
If you've ever seen a spool with the line flared at the top and tapered in at the bottom, that's 100% the result of spindle deflection under high drag load.
(line flaring at both top and bottom of the spool is a mediocre oscillation mechanism that doesn't change direction efficiently)
What they've done with the new Stradic FL (and previously with the Stella) is increase the spool length and spindle oscillation, which increases cast distance; also a big main gear, which lets you deliver more torque through the handle.
Here's the Tica Libra SX, which matches the spool/oscillation length of the 2 good Shimanos, and I would say it's 98% as smooth as my Stradic FL
and, no, I would't set this reel drag above 3-1/2 lbs
I also think this is a prettier reel than the Shimano
ps - the Stradic is called the Biomaster in Japan
https://japantackle.com/Shimano_knob_size_chart and from another thread I posted, the chart says something about the Japanese:
There are 12 US-imported reels listed, v. 49 Japan models covering the same time period.