I think the expense ratio is a good item to track. However,
you are comparing apples to oranges when you are then taking
your expense ratios and comparing them to actively managed
mutual funds. The fees quoted for mutual funds do not
include many of the items you are including in your ratio. A
mutual fund expense ratio includes the investment management
fee, advertising, and general operating costs. It does not
include trading costs or commissions or the cost of taxes.

So when you compare your expense ratios to the mutual funds
you should be certain you are including the same costs to
have a meaningful comparison.