Crunching some numbers

I got upset today because although our dressage was most improved from Lincoln Creek (no bolting in), it was a pretty solid B-.  Despite that, I was distraught that we didn't place better (currently 13/18).  It was only a 35.9.
So first, I've only been riding Duke 8 weeks and have only owned him 10, and haven't had nearly enough lessons on him.
Second, in the 8 mere weeks I've been riding him, he's gone from randomly bolting and tearing off on the far side of the fences to working on his bend, connection, and taking the bit.  That's good progress, especially given how slow I can be!  And for most of that, I used him in the wrong tack.
Third, I need to figure out warm up.  At both Lincoln Creek and here, I had some very lovely work, but it went on too long and then he got a little stiff and sour before we went in.  So I think I need to count on making the most of a smaller window of time.
Fourth, it took me something like three years with Charlie to master Novice.  I'm out of line to think that Duke should be able to figure me out (at 6 years old!) after just 8 weeks, and being ridden by other people, and not showing this year, etc.
Fifth, I didn't get Duke to be a warmblood who could kick ass at Novice but could barely get around Training.  I got him to go Prelim and hopefully a *, and I think he's got the athleticism to do it.  But I sacrificed that warmblood movement for the speed and endurance at the upper levels, and we're not ready to go there yet.
Sixth, even though we did better at the derby in dressage, we got rails in show jumping, which we didn't do at Lincoln Creek.
Regardless, here's the numbers:

Five year old (with a pro):
5/16 - Training with Ashley - 9/18 (34.3 d, xc time, 8 sj); 1st was 24.8
7/16 - Training with Ashley - 4/11 (36.1); 1st was 30.5
7/16 - Training with Ashley - 6/13 (35.2, 4 sj); 1st was 25
8/16 - Training with Ashley - 9/19 (36.6, 4 sj); 1st was 21.4
8/16 - Training with Ashley - 7/11 (33.4, 4 sj); 1st was 26.4
10/16 - Training with Ashley - 9/15 (40.5, 4 sj); 1st was 23

Six year old:
7/17 - BN Derby at Caber - Day 1 - 3/12 - 33.2 + 4 sj; 1st was 28.2
  Day 2 - 5/10 - 32.1 (tie for 2nd) + 4 sj; 1st was 27.1
8/17 - Novice with me at Lincoln Creek - 10/22 (37.2); 1st was 31.2
8/17 - Novice at Caber - dressage only was 35.9 (13/18); 1st is 27.4

So we need to get 1 point better on each movement, and that's doable as we get to know each other and he develops a topline.  He's got fat pads on his shoulders now.