Maybe a better word than "forgiving" is "stable". A longbow tends to be more stable under difficult shooting conditions, and lets you hit closer to the target. A recurve is a little more sensitive to variables. That's what my personal experience has been.

Better archers than I have made the "forgiveness" analogy, people like Hill and Quillian and Ferguson- added to my personal experience, that's good enough for me.

frassetor, here's a couple of Trad Gang members that you could PM to get the definitive poop on your question:

Rod Jenkins (SHOOT08S) is a former IBO World Champion;  I also know that he owns an OL Adcock two-piece longbow.  I don't know what he shot in competition.  But, you could get his take on why he shoots what he shoots.

John Havard (John Havard)one of the owners of A&H Archery.  Along with OL Adcock, they have compiled TONS of data on how and why a bow does what it does...there has to be a reason that they chose primarily to go with a longbow design (the Adcock Cross Section is easier to design in to a "staight" limb) but I know that A&H is currently working on designing a recurve limb as well...

It would be great if you could PM these guys and get them to post their thoughts here....  

Thanks fatman