Tony

Jay said

"We also do not look at the stock and see the tree within, we like what we see and hope that the tree will come out to us later. This is not a good thing; we need to see the tree before we purchase it."

Yeah, that's the problem. When we are new at the bonsai game we really have no idea what defects are correctable and which are a lost cause. We usually have no idea how trees actually grow. Books and demos are great but I think most knowledge is gained form getting in there and doing it. Sure you'll kill alot of trees and butcher others beyond any hope of good bonsai but you will learn in the process. I haven't arrived yet but I'm getting much better and faster at seeing which trees have true potential and seeing the tree within the bush. You just have to stay with it.

If you don't want to have to pick through the garbage to get to the bonsai then learn to grow your own stock from seeds and cuttings. That way you get them young, before they turn into garbage.

Tony