Grey Ghost, thanks for the advice. Am I reading your post correctly? You use a polyleader, four sections of maxima and then two tippet diameters? That's a seven sections in all. I haven't tried vertical yet, but sort of envisioned using one section of floro and then maybe some tippet.
You have everything right except the tippet.
I'll only use one diameter at a time for the whole tippet set up, usually 6lb. for #14 chironomids and larger. Then I'll drop down to 4lb. for #16 chironomids and smaller.
The beauty of the 25' tapered adjustable chironomid leader is quick and easy leader length changes. Like 25' to 15' by unlooping the middle 10lb. and 8 lb. fluoro. sections and relooping the remaining sections together.
Mark leader wallet pockets to keep the unloop sections organized and easy to identify for relooping in to lengthen the leader again.
No need for multiple leader lengths and tying more knots. Once all set up, it is all loop to loop changes and no knots tied. It may seem a little extreme, but it does make a very versatile chironomid leader.
I hope this helps some.
GG