Dave there is nothing wrong with a bow 3.5 pounds heavier. And like you said it will lose a couple pounds after a couple hundred shots. The bow I shipped to Mike was 2 pounds over his max, I just didn't tell him, LOL.
Sorry to hear canopyboy had to drop out, you guys should see the beautiful longbow he made me a couple years ago.
Walt good to see you are healed up, hope all is well.