I'll quote Jawge on this "If you ain't breakin you ain't makin." I used to have that posted on the wall of my workshop, till it got damaged by more than a few broken bows turned into spears. LOL
I haven't broken any in quite a while, but I don't get upset about it when it does and will happen. I've made swords for the kids, atlatls, wooden-spoons, and yes even shorter bows then I had planned.
Tell me that wasn't osage?
?
Never had an elm break, even with cut through knots and various other backside mistakes.