I have to agree. Equipment is easiest to fall back on. Next is enviornment, and finally yourself. As far as shot placement, and the shoulder being a bad shot. The doe i shot a couple weeks ago was quartering slighly to me, so like any good bowhunter, i aimed for my exit. Perfect placement of the arrow but... the deer moved her other side shoulder into the way when it hit her, making the arrow not pass through. No pass thru, shoulder shot, minimal blood, went down in 35 yards. That was out of my 101st with a 3blade rage at 20yds at 300fps. Stuff happens and even though my setup is optimal for penetration with the rage 3blade, I didnt get a pass thru. Inexperienced people or people like you are talking about would probably have to try a different bh just b/c of teh no pass thru factor. Im thinking of trying out the g5's or slick tricks but that isnt b/c of this one instance. more of a curiousity thing i guess.

Anyways, i completely agree with your assessment and believe to much is left in the equipments fault, or responsibility good or bad.
Derek