ricker,
the first lesson you should have learned is that don't ask for advice or opinions on here unless you are willing to get more than you bargained for!! :)
from what i've seen, i'm not a fan of your bull, and frankly i don't think the cows are the best i've ever seen.
however, don't let it get you down, i agree with your post that sometimes you can't learn alot on the sidelines. i applaud your decision to enlist someone who you felt had the expertise to help get you started. i don't know your consultant and he may be a good cow-man, but i don't think he was on his "a"' game when he bought this group for you. what's done is done, but remember this bad decision when he gives you advice about calving, shots, etc etc, maybe you can discreetly check some of his future advice with another person who's opinion you respect.
i give you credit for diving into something that you're interested in and enjoy. it's the same way i started. and i know from experience that you don't have to start out with the top cattle in the world to make some money and develop a nice herd. don't let the negativity coming at you get you down. you do need to make sure you try to improve your herd through proper culling and handling (and a new bull in my opinion :) )
