You're absolutely correct about there being two extreme ends.
I don't want mine overly fat either. But don't want to see any bones. My 1st calvers are currently thinner than I like, but no ribs visible whatsoever. Will be weaning their calves in about 30 days.
If they were dogs, a lot of folks around here would get in trouble for animal abuse. Not sure how cows aren't given any concern.
Certsin places around, their cattle look super thin 12 months out of the year. Can't help but wonder what they think they're accomplishing. Cattle always standing by the fence mooing, never content. They live a miserable existence.