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bonefish61,
Welcome.
In the saltwater fishing I do here in NorCal, and when using single handed rods, I use a shooting head system with heads corresponding to AFTMA 8wt thru 14wt(210 grains to 550 grains in weight)and various sink types from intermediate to lead core lines; as to your question about down sizing line weight from the designated rod line recommendation to increase casting distance, I personally don't make it a practice. I don't think you get greater distance by artificially manipulating the rod's action, trying to make it faster. I have used lighter heads(then the rods designated line weight) to make a rod's action faster but never to increase casting distance. I believe it is far easier to increase distance with heads that are heavier then recommended. You just have to adjust your casting stroke to accommodate the increased weight of the head. Along with the various heads, distance is better achieved with your choice of running lines, including floating, intermediate, and mono types. I use all these heads/running lines on a variety of single handed rods, 8.5' to 9.5' in lenght, designated 7wt to 10wt rods by the manufactuers, most are glass rods and 3 are graphite, I adjust my casts and casting stroke to fit what I'm using.

Lastly fly type, size and weight, in combination with the conditions generally dictate my choices as to what heads and running lines to use.

We are currently in our Striper season here and we have begun experimenting with Two handed rods and overhead casting, using a head system with running lines, from the beaches with distances that are eye opening. However, this is a whole other ball game and for another time. Respectfully rvreclus