Hey, Twisted
I think I know who you're talking about. I've also purchased a yew stave from Dave Robertson at Medicine Bow Woods, and he is an arrogant jerk. He treated me very poorly as well, calling me an idiot, and suggested I should go elsewhere. I will. I'm not sure how he's still in business.
I've made several short yew bows and recurves, so don't worry, you're on the right track. Yew doesn't need to be made into ELBs.