For those that are suggesting a multi pass, multi filler smaw weld....why???

If you are going to stick weld it, why would you use a multipass weld, and why would you change fillers if you did? this isn't a spec weld that has a welding procedure that must be followed.

I'm not trying to be blunt, but is there a reason for a multi pass, multi filler weld? A simple farmer weld would be fine, 1/8" 6011, single pass. No worry with moisture, no issues with melted flux insulating the tip of the electrode, no issues with anything really. 7018 is a hassle to deal with and is of very limited benefit to 90% of the welds that are made and is still equal or over-matched to most of the base metals that will be used.