Hey Kai,
That is pretty good on melting the tip, thanks for sharing that and you can bet I'll be doing that from now on.
I don't disagree with you on the long leader being the better and more sure method of landing the larger fish, provided you have enough hands and worthy experienced mates leadering the fish. I fish recreationally and usually only take one other person with me on the boat. With the wind-on, the guy on the pole can usually bring the fish close enough for the gaffer, said and done. The other way, with only two people, the leader end comes up, the pole gets set down, one guy leaders the fish, fish still green, takes off, there he goes, gone. It's happened to me.
Like you said, whatever works best for you,
considering all variables.
Have a great day and tight lines always!