When I got out of the game about 6 or 7 years ago, the very desirable sticks were various Tats (the mass released red labels and blacks, and the smaller releases that could still be tracked down with some work like east coast/west coats, seasonal releases like the monsters, etc.), Liga Privada (9s, rats, pigs, T52s). Illusiones were also popular (although I've read they quality control has gone down some). AF Sharks were also highly prized. To bring you back to that timeframe, there was a lot of talk about tracking down Pepin rolled Padilla 1932s, everyone was speculating on what the "donkey droppings" actually were, etc.
Its tough to get the information from local shpo owners simply because they don't have the same point of reference as the boards, spend a lot of their time educating people newer to the hobby, and understandably want to sell what they have etc. (and this is after I tell them "I pay good money for cigars," like Briannasucks).
So, what are the comparable brands/sticks today? I've been reading the Cigar Discussion threads, and haven't made much progress coming back up the learning curve, so what should I be looking for? (And for God sake, this isn't a thread looking for packages, as I've moved since I was last a regular on the trade boards, and the new address is classified).
Thanks in advance for any info!