When I review a cigar, I take into account all factors. I think of how burned, how it tasted, how it smelled, how it felt and how it made me feel. Sometimes I do take into account how much I paid for it. If I paid double-figures for it ($10 and above), there is an expectation factor involved. If a cigar is priced that high, that means that someone, somewhere, thinks this cigar is worth that much. That tells me that this cigar should be pretty-well above-average. If it is, then I'll rate it accordingly with a high rating. If it, in my opinion, falls short of those expectations, then I'll knock a half-star, or even a full star, from its score. I feel that the cigar didn't meet its value and was a disappointment. On the other side of the coin, if I paid $2 or $3 for a stick and it blows my friggin mind, then I'll bump up the score a half-star, or even a full star, due to its delivery on value. With that being said, I rarely run into that situation, because I spend an average amount on a per-cigar basis. I don't purchase a lot of $2-$3 sticks, nor do I spend $15-$20 on a lot either. I feel that I am honest and up front with my opinions and what kind of score I award a cigar. I usually base my ratings and reviews on the basic factors of the smoke: construction, aroma, flavor, strength, draw, burn, etc. I think that most of members of this site do, too. I haven't read too many 'unrealistic' reviews, EVER, on this site. I think just about all of us are completely honest and upfront with our reviews.
