nice review!
I love these, although personally I think I prefer the maduro 64s, and you're right about the price. There are many equal or better smokes that can be had for less.
non-Cuban though? not so many
I think what you're paying for is the basically perfect, consistent production. Every single one I've had tastes EXACTLY the same. The draw is exactly the same, The burn never needs correction. They're just perfectly blended and rolled.
I don't smoke them that often but the people I've talked to who
do buy these by the box all cite the above reasons as to why they are willing to pay the extra $$$.
very unique flavor too ! I've never been able to pinpoint quite what it is but I can remember the taste very distinctly even if it's been months or years since I last smoked a PAM. It's almost like, pumpkin pie or something.