I cannot speak to how good or bad I feel I am or really where I stand amongst others. Rather, I think it's better to highlight things I've learned practicing off sticks and then going to Africa.
First, I think the biggest rookie mistake is over-focusing on grouping. I made this mistake. I practiced, had 3"-4" groupings, all about where they should be on paper. To OP's point: I was overfocused on the grouping. I wasn't happy nor confident. In my mind I thought I should be shooting 2" groups like someone prone from a bipod. 3-4" grouping at the right spot on the animal, is likely, a dead animal. 3-4" variance on the kill zone on a kudu is likely still in the kill zone with 8-10" margins on each side. Eventually, I got to about 2-3" groupings at 100 yds and still wasn't happy. When I got there, I realized I was definitely prepped. 100 yds I feel is plenty, which is another topic.
Second, I only had three shots from the sticks and they were at 50-60 yds. I had a pretty tricky shot from the truck on a warthog over cows/through fences, and my hardest shot was 100 yds hand resting on the metal post of a blind, 12' off the ground. Practicing at 200 yds is impressive. Is it really necessary? I can't say. I guess if you can get a shot that far and make it, more power to you. We couldn't see more than 100 yds in spots. If you feel that making a 200 yd off the sticks shot on paper will better prep you both realistically, and mentally, I guess go for it. I've heard of shots 200 yds or more from sticks and I believe it. I have no reason to doubt that. Then, it brings into question, is it a shot you really needed to take? Or could you have gotten closer? I am sure there are arguments for both but I am not opening that can of worms. I watched a video where a gentleman couldn't get more than 200 yds from a zebra they were taking. He did a phenomenal job and downed it in one shot from 200 yds. So I guess there are definitely cases where its necessary.
Third, I found out really quick in RSA that not all your shots are off sticks. The hardest shot I had to make was on a kudu, 100 yds, quartering away, with my hand resting on a blind to stabilize the fore end of the rifle, kneeling. My PH said after he could hear the rifle clanging on the post as I was shaking and was the reason why he told me to breathe. If you asked me if that was in my bingo card before going, I'd probably have said no. You might have to rest on a tree in the thick stuff or even shoot off hand for a follow up shot. I think you definitely should practice off sticks, but thinking that's your only shot, is a bit misguided.
Fourth, I'll stick my neck out on. My God people overcomplicate the sticks. 4 post, 3 post, etc. I had a Primos trigger stick I practiced with and lucky me, it was the same thing my PH had. If you are going to be bringing sticks to Africa, then yes, buy something that fits you like a glove. Practice with it, practice more, and have at it. I think buying $400 sticks and then arriving to find the PH has a $100 Primos trigger stick or three bamboo poles lashed together is a bit of a goof up. But like I said, if you want to bring your preferred sticks with you, have at it.
