Were all of the steaks frozen at one time or another, or were the Costco and California steaks fresh? Do people find that freezing has any impact on flavor?

I don't find that freezing has any impact on flavor. That said, the Costco was frozen, and the Allen surprised me, as it was delivered frozen. All others were never frozen.

I have had mixed experience with freezing meat, specifically Costco. The rib-eyes have come out with a softer/mushier texture on several occassions (not dramatic, but it has been noticeable for me) and the tri-tips darkened slightly and didn't have the zip that the fresh ones did. I know plenty of people that freeze meat (the Flannery filet I had was from one of McGowan's bulk orders), just doesn't seem to work well for me.

I find that the meatier cuts freeze better - sirloin, etc. and I regularly freeze tri-tip with good results. There is a slight difference with the cuts that I buy but is pretty insignificant. These are usually grass-fed cuts and sometimes from a local provider.

I've never found any noticeable impact on flavor or texture from freezing. Fresh is always preferable; but many times that is not a viable option. When I buy from either Bryan or Lobel's, I order extra meat in order to save shipping charges.

'Course if they're frozen, I have to remember to take them out of the freezer in time.