Keep an eye out for the new carpa force, Diamond body, hollow tip carbon stem. the line goes through the body so there is no chance of the line cutting into the body.
Chief - use KC Porth & 2s, brilliant floats! Can you get the new force floats now? Paint all my floats with (hard as nails varnish) & floats last forever!
Shaun you should have a look at the Tubertini range of floats, very well made and perfect for some of the situations you have mentioned, have a look for the Pro series, Deltas and river series.