Gale,
Ok, I did take the time to look at your site. First off, that is the worst breed association site I've ever seen. Things aren't organized and it's hard to find anything. In fact, I couldn't find the study you mentioned. I did find a study in which some pied bulls were used on some cows but no real results. On the same note, all breed associations only list the positive studies about their breed. I have yet to see a site mention any bad (real or perceived) attributes for that breed. The angus site says nothing about bad temperament, fence-crawlers. The hereford site says nothing about pinkeye. The limo site says nothing about high-strung, low quality-grading. You get my point? If not, what I'm trying to say is the pied assoc is definitely not going to list the research data showing the low quality grading of the breed or how many were dark cutters because of temperament.
Without seeing the study you mentioned, I'll just go with what you told us. 300 black cross heifers. From what I know, pieds are not black. So, where did the black come from? Angus? As for being a tender cut, tender does not equal taste. The american consumer has shown again and again that they are willing to pay for taste which comes from the intramuscular fat or marbling. Thus is the reason that CAB is sold at a premium. I was able to see on the site a mention of Laura's Lean. If you're aiming at a niche market, fine. The pieds probably fit right in with the limos for the Laura's Lean program. Don't try to pass it off to the general cattleman that the pied is the answer to all their prayers.
You mention you raised angus & then polled herefords, now pieds. There's still quite a few breeds for you to choose from when you realize the pieds aren't exactly what you've chosen to believe they are. Maybe one day you can find a breed & stick with it. Did you raise emus too?