I like what you have to say here personally, specially the word, 'strive'. I like the attitude of buying an iron that you would want to use next year or the year after that. Which means, with effort, you could be hitting a Titleist MB very well. That is more important than getting a few extra yards in length hitting a game improvement club.

One last thought. Club makers don't make 'game improvement' clubs for nothing. The majority of amateur golfers depend on larger irons every year. The pride of hitting an MB well will make people pay attention to you.

Please don't tell that to the Professional golfers out there using AP1 and AP2 irons. Well sort of like the last Masters champion. I guess we all have something to "strive" for.  

Have you been to a Titleist fitter to see what his recommendation is based on your numbers and swing?  That would be my first step.  Moving up to a much much harder to hit club is a good goal but something that may not be achievable unless you have lots and lots of time on your hands to spend at the range.  Say thousands of balls a day.  Most of us do not.   Go see the fitter and enjoy the game.  Based on your handicap, you shoot in the high 80s and might rethink the MBs or CBs.  With respect.  cz   

I started off with the AP1's 4 years ago .... But always liked the look of the MB and CB lines . Looking down at the top line suits my eye.  Also I never felt that my game was really improving by using what some consider Titleist  form of game improvement irons.

I went and was fitted for some CB irons and I can honestly say that my game has improved over the last year.  I've learned how to now hit the ball on the sweet spot with above an 90% accuracy strike.  So all along my GAME IMPROVEMENT irons was not teaching me how to strike the ball correctly.  I'm so glad I made the switch myself ....    

I recently got the 714 CBs after a titlest fitting session. I tried all the irons and the numbers did not lie. Never hit irons so well. Game improvement irons work for some people, but for me they were like stabilisers on a bike I no longer needed. 

In the end. Regardless of the club in your hand, if your technique and swing are correct and repeated you will hit well. The CBs are fantastic for me. I like a nice slim sole and a club that gives me a nice soft feel when I strike and that's exactly what I get. They are more forgiving than people think. I think it is a hidden gem.