I want to thank you all for your informative advice. It was quite helpful, and I actually learned a lot. As a result of this post, I did decide not to pursue carbon flutes. I specifically appreciate marshwren’s pointer to the Irish Flute Store’s M&E polymer R&R flute. I did purchase it. The flute has a following, and the price worked for me. As I hopefully improve, I look forward to contemplating the purchase of one of your flutes.
Again, thank you for your participation.
I hope it works well for you! Let us know how you get on with it.