This is an interesting question.
I wonder, how much did you pay for this stock?
> 10/4 x random width x 14' kiln dried plain sawn red oak.
That thickness and width works out to about 2.91 bf/ inch of width. If you had a 6" wide piece, you had about 17.5 bf of lumber there.
Depending on your area of the country, and what grade this material was, whether it was kiln dried, and how far the seller had to transport, etc. etc..... you'd pay between $1 and $8 per board foot.
If you paid $1, I'd say you got a steal.
If you paid $8 or more, you should get your money back.
In between those values.... well... let's say there's a LOT of variables that determine a fair price, any number of which could make that quite-crooked lumber worth what you paid for it.
I wonder, if when you specify hardwood material for purchase, are you using the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) grades and specifications? These are rules that are agreed upon by suppliers and consumers of these types of materials as a way to satisfy the needs of both for consistent and specific lumber properties.
You can learn more about the role of the NHLA in the lumber industry here:
http://www.nhla.com/ourroles
If you follow their guidelines and ensure your suppliers adhere to them as well, I would expect your lumber buying experiences to improve.