Great post, Ferdinand. I've been guilty of this, especially earlier on in my cigar hobby. I think maybe it's just instinct to want to blame stems on a crummy cigar when you can't reason any other explanation.
And by the way - absolutely fascinating about the El Tallo!! I would have never even suspected such a cigar would exist!! I did some digging and even found a review of that cigar, in case any one cares to read that review I'll post it after I finish this sentence!
https://halfwheel.com/el-tallo/335804/