This is all interesting, with various ways to consider. rancherfred is one of few mentioning numbers of cattle put through the system in a time frame.
Seems that saying how many cattle are worked through in a system, what is being done for them, and time it takes would be helpful in figuring out what a person in need of improved facilities might want to try.
And I realize 'trying' out a system may not be all that practical, but maybe mentally running cattle through would give an idea and maybe cause one to think of possible pitfalls or places in a given system that might not work for your situation. Better yet: either helping, or observing others work cattle through the different types of systems. Are cattlemen really more independent, even "my way is the right way for this ranch" types or is it my imagination, but I have had pretty close contact with them and observed quite closely all my 72 years!
mrj
Are ranchers really more independent, 'my way is the right way' types, or is it my imagination