Ian
Theres a couple of things going on here - first its not a problem with the questions fire ahead. Second im providing a bass fishing guiding service at an international level so the gear I use for my customers has to be very good - this doesnt mean that you have to spend 300 euros on a spinning reel for bass - the same applies to rods -
If your concerned about costs then buying braid, which can be expensive, will also force you to manage it a little better, line lay on a fixed spool reel needs to be good to prevent it fluffing up during casts and causing you to loose the line in a huge tangle, theres also a 'little' bit of attention that needs to be paid when its windy, sometimes loops form around the spool - you just need to be observant.
I dont know much about the Mitchell - but will have a look, the lower end of the shimano range are very accessible and still provide what you need - remember braid will last a long time.
For more help on bass fishing theres loads of free info here
www.probassfisher.com which is updated very regularly or keep firing the questions