Hey Tom. Ok - time for my input. I would actually guess that #1 was collected by Randy because it is a good tree and in a flat. Nothing more than a hunch. Number two was owned by Randy and styled by... Me. Oh, what a small world this is! This was durning a Walter workshop (on this day:
http://internetbonsaiclub.org/index...3&topic=19286.0 ). I worked on my tree, assisted Jason on his tree, mulled around and then Randy pulled out YOUR tree. We discussed it, I gave it the first styling, and he, Walter & I adjusted it to the state it was in (assuming Hitoshi did not muck with it) when you got it. You must remember that it was a first styling - so don't judge me too harshly!
Tree #3 - I agree with Jason in that I think there is a combo of poor roots, drying out, sunburn & a styling. Oh, and a needle cutting. My take is to baby it - despite what Da King says. I would make sure the substrate always stays moist but not wet, and that it gets good morning sun but no afternoon sun. A bright, warm but not hot greenhouse would be great. I think that you are on an up-hill battle, and if you pray to the bonsai gods you might pull this one through. Don't get too attached, as I have lost one in a similar state.
Off to go backpacking and then collecting for the weekend. So, if you (or anyone else) wish to rib me for the substandard initial styling, you must wait a couple of days for my retort.