Hmm, I am not sure if I agree with the "put it in the ground" sentiments. That statement is used alot(and rightfully so when someone posts a 1/4" maple twig", but I think this tree can make a pleasing shohin with the base and trunk that it has now. The branches suck, but thats to be expected with nursery stock-- especially mugos. The young ones backbud pretty well, so buffrider should be able to almost regrow all the branches to achieve the movement, taper, ramification etc. that is fitting for a "finished" tree. I assume buffrider is pretty new to the game, so I encourage him to make the best of this tree so he has some results. Yeah, it wont be show worthy, but it will be a piece for him to practice detail wiring, decandling, needle plucking etc. I dont mean to put it down either, because I see a nice 6" shohin in 3 years.
The rules are nice to follow when you begin bonsai, that is why I referenced them. When you find yourself asking, "is my tree high enough? is my trunk thick enough?" the standby ratios can help keep you on track. The point about styles is a matter of preference and opinion. I dont think alot of japanese bonsai look like trees per se; they look like bonsai. I love japanese trees and I love them for their power, control and all things that can be attributed to bonsai, not because they look like the 100 year oak that I fly fish next to every sunday. Walter Pall certainly does things differently and I think this is what Brian was advocating. I also love walter's trees because they do remind me of the 100 year oak that I fly fish next to every sunday. Bottom line on styles and taste: a serious conversation with your tree will tell you if it should be a bonsai or a tree. From the pictures, the first mugo tells me it should be a bonsai.