XP's are great rods & you won't buy anything close to it, new, for that price; Sage really stepped up to fast tapers with the XP series.
For the rivers you're fishing I'd prefer a 9'..............but that just my preference. 7 wt will handle the fish in most instances, but an 8 wt does it much easier in tight water where you need to pressure or hold the fish.
Also, I agree with everything 1 Minute had to say about spey rods & fishing, so if your eventually in it for the long haul, you will likely migrate there at some point in time.
MM
