I have layed plenty of welds and I know I am no expert but while you are welding you can see the base metal "dissolve' and blend with the filler wire in the pool.

When I am in optimum position I can get very nice looking welds when in awkward positions they are awkward looking welds but they are penetrating and solid joints.

My point is an ugly weld isnt nessesarily a bad one.

here is one weld of my cage I am currently working on