Thank you all for your advice. To answer some questions: yes, I called the PBC company twice. Was told to set the intake at 1/4 (it was) and lite the coals according to the website (which I had done) and hang the meat immediately upon pouring the lit coals on the unlit or after 12 minutes of burn with lighter fluid ( both of which I did).
I think the flavor issue is a combination of the petroleum binder in the KBB and grease dripping on the charcoal. My first change will be to try Stubbs and light 25 briquets instead of 40. After that, I will fiddle with the intake until I can get the proper pit temp.
As for grilling, I always grill steaks over KBB using reverse sear. Since the coals are fully lit, there is never an issue about taste.
I will keep trying. Thank you all.
gbwsmoker