Imho they don't feel like real steel. It's a nice movie, but it could convey more reality, if heaviness of steel would be integrated into the CGI.
I think Terminator (1982) feels more real, idem the ancient Star Wars episodes made with puppets vs the later ones.
Additionally the bull could never survive the mistreatment at the beginning :)
Film relies on David/Goliath mythology, or Golem story.
I had some of the same issues. Additionally, who in their right minds would allow meatbags anywhere near the potential shrapnel flying off of those things? I can kind of let the underground fights slide in that respect (they didn't seem like the type to be especially bothered by safety protocols and all), but I fully expected a cage or... something when they got to the pro leagues. We see crap flying off of those bots constantly. I refuse to believe no skulls have been crushed in the history of this sport, necessitating strict regulation of ring safety. It seems like they just gave the ref a fencing mask and some pads and went, "okay, that ought to cover it."
Totally agree with the bull statement. That was silly. Also, going back to my previous point, that leg very well could have smooshed a few cowboys.