It all depends on the cigar. Some cigars I toss as soon as they reach the band as they get hot and bitter after that, as you said.

Others I will smoke to a nub. I even have a meerschaum cigar holder so I can nub the shit out of them without burning my fingers. There are some fine sticks out there that are truly delicious all the way to the end. But they are in the minority.

The average cigar I smoke down to the last inch; as soon as I can feel heat on the lips. its time to quit for the day or start a new one.