Bolognese style fishing suddenly became popular over here in the early 90s when (I think it was) Italy won the World Championships with them. Every matchmen in the country wanted one and tackle manufacturers gladly obliged. Except that, the rush ended as soon as it began and there were loads of them left on shop's shelves.
What did happen was the serious players adapted the standard match rod to suit the same style, eg. MAP, Preston, Middy, etc. Andy Nellist was using a 17 foot Preston on the Thames once, with Mark Wintle having the odd go (for a few hours) and I saw soem benefits. Like, you can reach out further steer a stick float around a clump of reeds.
However, the cost of long rods is quite prohibitive, but I managed to pick up a 16 - 18 foot Middy (carp waggler - everything's bl**dy carp with them) for £50 brand new off eBay. It has two tips one for trotting and another for those bl**dy carp again. It's damned heavy to hold all day and has limited use, I use the 11ft rod more often, and you might find the PReston a lot more comfortable.
Cost though? Go on Fred, rich man like you can afford it.