You got me Rob. You certainly have many more years of fly fishing than I do.
I guess I should have said that your leader should
generally taper. As you mentioned it helps turn the fly over. I suppose it is also personal preference. I find a tapered leader leads to a few less wind (occasional poor casting ) knots.
Mono, flouro, your choice . My point being actual "tippet" is costly compared to larger spools of line.
I also don't endorse or ever shop at bass pro or cabella's.
stan