Brian is absolutely right! no levelwind=better casting!!!!
First off, a 965 does not even compare to the quality of the 400,
DO NOT TRADE IT!
Rob, you could put that handle on, but you risk the weight of it throwing the reel into gear when casting, hard to explain, but imagine your handle being in the position where the "ball" or grip on the handle would be in front of the reel, the motion of your cast, (depending on how smooth the clutch is) will throw the ball forward and engage the reel.
Brian, you can rip out the worm gear of the Catala, let me know, I walk you through it bro!
Dane