There are some bloggers I really like. Most of the rest I don't pay attention to. I think it has value because these days there are so many new cigars on the market, LEs, etc., so it's nice to find a couple reviewers who share your cigar preferences to give you their opinions. I personally think that the good cigar reviews are helpful for the industry, as are more casual review forums such as the reviews on BOTL.
As to "ego," I think that ANY review-oriented blog/website is going to be egocentric almost by definition. The only reason to publish your opinions is that you think others want to hear them. I've seen some that do come off as pompous, though, and I usually don't come back.
Ever read movie reviews? Food critics? These people often write a negative review just because, or find the smallest dumb thing to criticize because they are CRITICS. It can get pretty ridiculous. That's how the field is, and I wouldn't expect the cigar review community to look much different.
The cigar blogs/websites I like are those who try to be impartial and don't pander, and are also honest "I like the Tatuaje profile, so it's not a surprise that I liked this cigar" for example. I also prefer guys/gals I know smoke plenty of cigars, and have done so for years. I don't really care about the opinions of bloggers who are relatively new to the hobby ... not that "Noob Reivews" don't have a place, but I think people with more refined palates can offer more insight.
I've even thought of doing a cigar blog myself, just for fun. But a solo venture takes a lot of work and I'm too anal to half-do something.
