Tim,
Josh's experience with this dish is far more recent than mine, so I'd trust his input more, but you're absolutely right a good feijoada should have a tremendous amount of flavor. I don't completely recall what cuts of meat I've used, but shoulder would have been one of them, and I think contributes greatly to the flavor. I don't recall which recipe I used, but
this one may be it, or at least along the lines of it.
Wish I could be of more help.
Amy