Hey Farrier, congrats!
I think it was your bro and not the knot.... Uni to Uni is supposed to work with flouro and braid. So is the Albright, etc...
Setting the drag too tight or as you said all the way takes the "give" out of the system... Also, every pull or headshake just multiplies the tension on the line.
I use a swivel mainly cause when I didnt, the line got twisted with use....
Definately use the good stuff from a specialty shop...
cowboybill