I have to agree with poundage, the closer I am to 50 pounds at my draw length the better I shoot, to be honest beyond 55 pounds my groups will start to spread out. An honest figure to me would be about like Sean, I do shoot better some days around 6", but an average would be at that 8 to 9", not to say I am not always striving to get better. I also agree, until you get a consistant form, move up to 10 yards, it seems to close at first but you will soon learn to enjoy it, after all, most of my shots at game have been in that 1 to 15 yard range anyway.
After the shot, counting a few seconds to make sure I don't drop my shooting arm and in fact bringing my bow arm back into focus just like before the shot has really helped me be more consistant. I think dropping ones bow arm a bit after the shot is a big reason for irratic arrows.
Also try shooting 1 arrow at a time, then go get the arrow, go back and take your next shot, that gives you time to settle down and think about your form between shots. Get a routine down and do the same thing on each and every shot, how you bring your bow up, how you draw your bow, your anchor, your realease and follow through, do the same thing on each and every shot. When shooting groups as opposed to shooting one arrow at a time, I just seem to rush things no matter how much I try to slow things down.
Don't give up on traditional archery, just keep trying things until you find what works for you, and enjoy each shot, work on your routine, watch and enjoy the arrow flight in your perephial vision and don't worry as much about your groups as picking your spot and concentrating on form and if you are shooting a poundage you can handle it will come together for you.