IMO, there are lots of "rules of thumb" that apply to whether a bow is forgiving or not. The usual prescription is long axle length, high brace height, and often dual or hybrid cams, instead of single cams. Preferences are still largely personal things, however. I think riser reflex enters the picture, although many guys seem to shoot the heavily reflexed VFT or parallel limb bows quite well. A month ago, I probably would have said that single cams were harder to shoot well than duals, because in my experience, they were. But in my case, it only took one bow to change my mind. I really think my short, light, single cam Hoyt Havoc shoots as well as any bow I have owned, and even better (for me) than two bows that were over 40" ATA and over 9" in brace height. Suggestions from others may help a little, but you really have to get out there and shoot a few bows to see how you like them. That is part of the fun.