Hey Douglas,
I didn't see the package you bought, but I'll tell you this:
I bought a modified Steadicam 3 package in '08 and it wasn't even a 3A. My package had a Pro 1 Donkey Box, Steadicam 3 Sled (didn't telescope), Transvideo Rainbow 1 monitor, Seitz wireless system, coherent video transmitter, 3a arm, 3a or 3? vest and a bunch of accessories for $8,000. The monitor was held by an Israeli Arm attached to a Home Depot piece that loosened up every time I tightened up the arm and there were a variety of things I had to monitor when I operated.
My shots with this setup were level and smooth, but required a lot more work to do so. As a result, I had to work really hard and had to have a lot of control over the gimbal.
The way I look at it now, as I did then, is you're better off when everything is manual. That way, you have to be in control of everything (much like photography with a manual camera), but when you have all the bells and whistles, you'll be that much better.
As long as you can fly the heavy cameras, you're all good.
Good purchase and if you have any questions, please contact me.
Best,
Billy Green
Camera/Steadicam/Underwater Operator
516-639-2295
WilliamHGreeniv@hotmail.com