why a custom built converter isn't for everyone....

That’s on you. Evidently you don’t optimize anything, you just change for change sake.

For the VAST majority of everyone else out there, a custom converter is as important as a custom cam. Do them both.

My friend just had a local torque converter company do him a converter. You couldn’t even drive the car.

600 buck and a bunch of extra, needless work he now has a converter than add took a car that was worthless to a car that turns heads.

I will never understand why this is ever in question. Unless you are doing dead stock stuff, you should get a custom cam and converter.

I tell people don’t be penny wise and pound foolish

I have to agree. Even as mild as my 400 is, I would spring for a custom converter were I running a 727. I think it might be even more important for mild applications, because they need all the help they can get to get power to the ground. Just an observation.