I'll add my logic: stock rods should have new bolts put in. I think stock rods would be fine for 99% of builds, but the problem u run into is that these days it's tough to find a good/excellent machinist. If I'm getting rods redone, I have to trust the nut behind the press to not break or crack anything as he does it. If he does, will he tell me? Can I easily get a replacement rod in similar condition? How deep am I going to have to pay for the 7 good rods now, and still be short one?
With all that in mind, I treat it like a risk reduction and would hedge my bet to new rods for that reason alone. If I had a bucket of good used rods, my calculus might change. But I don't..
The added benefits of better design (bolt instead of stud/nut), more consistent weight, etc are just bonuses.
I'm also in an area where machining costs aren't yet prohibitive, but they're not like the good Ole days either. So if budget is even part of the conversation, it's worth weighing both routes.
The OP should do his homework and compare prices and values based on them. Who knows, his local shop may still be charging $25 a rod for a recondition! LOL. They're out there..
