@Doubleplay - did you have negative results on your bear Hunts in Maine? I know luck plays a big part in bear “size” and because of that I know many hunters that were disappointed ….but only 1-2 that failed to at least “see” a bear.
I’ve been on 6 Maine bear hunts (2/Hounds & 4 Bait) and hounds by far were the highest success rate — although bears were small and never treed/bayed one even near 200 lbs. For Me - I never got one over 200 lbs on a guided hunt but also Always saw bear, passed up several as they were under 150lbs. I think most Outfitters will show you bears over bait in August to mid September - that is usually prime season because they feed heavily then and none have entered hibernation yet. By the end of September it seems to become less consistent and regardless - as you point out - one over 150-200 pounds is a rarity and my guess would be less then one in five “scales” over 175lbs….but they are there and those are the photos every Guide puts in his brochure and website. As for the Food/accommodations - I never cared?? When a hunter tell me about the “great food” in Camp I assume he either eats poorly at home or there were No good bear around to talk about.
I think the OP has a great chance of seeing Bear and better than 50% at shooting a legal bear, as for “How Big”? That’s where the Luck factors in….