Like I said in the other thread, I've enjoyed most of the CAOs I've had as well. I like the Brazilila, the Black VR and the Italia the most. I was a little underwhelmed by the America. The regular "maduro" is also pretty good (and I'm not a huge maduro fan). I was just gifted a Sopranos that I am looking forward to trying.
I think the packaging is pretty cool. I can't see how people can really knock a company for being creative.
As far as the pricing, I rarely buy cigars at MSRP. At the prices I am paying for these it is a non issue.