ATA isn't as critical, IMO. But that depends again on draw length and release style, fingers or mechanical. The 2 situations you refer too will most likely be nearly the same.I don't think you would notice much difference in the two. And yes, your question is rather "hypothetical" but not completely.
Short ATA bows are more critical to shoot because the slightest error in form is exemplified, almost the same as in a short BH. So, if you had a short ATA AND a short BH, you would have a rather unforgiving bow.
Cams affect forgivness as they are directly related to speed. Super aggressive cams equate to a faster bow, again, directly relating to forgiveness. There are other factors to figure into cams as well though. The draw cycle, force curve, smoothness and aggressivness all play into it, but I'm not an engineer so I must say I'm not sure I could thoroughly explain why.
Again, GENERALLY speaking, short BH bows are less forgiving than long, and short ATA less than long.....but again, other factors play into that as well.
Am I making any sense, or talking circles??
isnt the assumption that faster bows are less forgiving because they are usually associated w/ short BH and axle lengths?
Actually, axle length really doesn't play into the speed equation at all. BH does, however. A short BH means the cam is in it's power stroke longer, thus transferring more energy to the arrow. Conversly, a long BH means the cam is in it's power stroke not as long, transferring LESS energy to the arrow.
Take this scenario....The Hoyt Vectrix IBO is 316, the Vectrix XL is 315. The ATA of the Vectrix is 33", the XL is 36". Yes, the ATA of the XL is longer, and the speed is slower....BUT the BH is the difference...The XL's BH is 1/2" longer, making it a tad slower.
How bout now, are we really confused??