Excellent points CNB. I have found the same to be true within a certain manufacturers lines as well. For me, Oliva is a good example. There is a significant difference between the Fdo line, the various serie lines ( O-S-Special S), and the Master Blends. IMHO, the quality of construction and consistency improves as you move up the line......just like the price.

I smoke quite a few FdO maduros, @ $2/stick......but I also have the $11 MasterBlends and the $6 Series O and S in the cooler.