Coach, one would think that in Nebraska, you could find far better cuts of meat that would be far lower in fat and therefore not necessary to turn into sawdust.
I'm also assuming you're not one for meat cooked to the lower end of the scale--you strike me as a person who likes his steak just the other side of charcoal. Tragic, that.
As for steaks, chicken, etc., best NOT to pierce it. I usually do a nice medium to medium high heat grill so the outside has a nice char, but the inside, while done, is still juicy.
And of course, as with all meats, best to let it "rest" for a few moments before serving, particularly larger pieces such as ribs, London Broil, etc.