I would have to agree with some of the other posts here and do not listen to the person you talked to about bear bows. It has been my experience that people that sell mathews are extremely biased. I have shot mathews and was not impressed with them, but thats just me. What you described with the bear bow is called cam lean. It's not a defect. That is how the cam is designed. Many bianary cam bows have that now. Bear does make a quality beginners product. I know here in michigan you can get a brand new bear bow out the door for around $350. I know several people that have shot them and they all like them. I have shot a few and like them too.

One thing to look for are "bargin" bows. For example, Mission is a bargin bow made by mathews. Diamond bows are bargin bows made by bowtech. Same technology slightly simplified and priced way down. Check em out and you will be surprised.

I can tell you from experience that buying the most expensive/most advertised bow is not necessarily the way to go. I shoot a Darton (and if you mention that name alot of people will give flack) but have found them to be very reliable, durable, and good shooters. I got a brand new bow this year for about $630. I will shoot that bow against any of the "big three" (mathews, bowtech, hoyt).

Good luck in your search.