I agree whole heartedly that taste is subjective and smoke what you like.
Rex, you bring an interesting aspect to this discussion. Price and reputation (good or bad) do form peoples opinions about cigars...until you actually try them. With selling NC cigars in Germany, I already know I am up against a wall when I try to selll a NC cigar for 20. Germans look at it and think, "It's not even Cuban, why spend so much money on it?" But if it is Cuban, they will consider spending the money on it. Not saying it's right, that's just how it is. Even though the NC may taste way better than a CC, they won't think of it. There are some fantastic NC's out there. It is a challenge to change the mindset.
I love cigars. My favorites are Nicaraguan and Habanos. Lately I smoke more NC's because I'm finding quality issues too often with the CCs (tight draw, usually a hard spot where too much tobacco is tightly rolled together). Get's on my nerves.
Thanks, Micheal for livining it up a bit.
P.S. Rex, I have been smoking some great Brazilian Cigarillos (produced by Schuster) lately during my work breaks.