Getting back to casting distances I believe that the angler with a long cast in his bag will always be the better angler. I have caught plenty of moki over the years but few at more than 50 metres from the beach. No need to pull out the long cast there. I also fish many shallow surf beaches like Mahanga and Ocean Beach here in Hawkes Bay. If you dont have a long cast on these beaches you may as well stay home if you are after anything more than yelloweyed mullet or the occassional kahawai.
As an avid (and somewhat successful)competition fisherman I wouldnt be without my long cast ability. It has won me plenty when short casting anglers missed out. There is much more to being successful than just long casting but it will make you a far more successful all rounder.