Fred,
I know what you are going through, though you are probably further along than me, I picked up a prunus mume this spring which is basically a foot long cylinder with straight shoots all over it. Definitely a long term job.
My plans are to try and layer a couple of plants off the top then cut to the lowest shoot to try and get some movement in the trunk, then its into the garden bed for quite a few years (probably 5, will have to see). With strong growth and selective pruning I expect to get a serviceable start on some nice trees with decent movement. Then they will be potted up to work on branch structure and carving of the trunks to try and emulate the really nice japanese ones. Then I just have to wait another 30 years or so for some nice rugged bark
Don't you just love Bonsai.
Cheers
Ian