Snake guides need to be able to flex a little. As you cast, or more importantly, bend the rod under load (a big fish) the area compresses or expands in an arc. The ends of the guides are held ridged so it is the guide itself that must absorb the pressures. This causes a pressure point in the tubular rod that must be absorbed. The 2 rods I've broke under stress both failed at a guide. Single foot guides are only held at one end...