OK, I just gotta know: these things look great and CAO's are fine sticks but are these worth all the fuss and $$$'s???

What's the fuss? You can get them at a wide range of vendors for under $10. They have a nice complex flavor, are well made, but the 2 I've had burn a little irregularly. I'd get one for under $10 and try it if you like CAO products.

It must be one heckuva nice box!