I believe Thompson's, Famous and CI have their place. They are where people turn when they pick up the craft, They try a handfull of samplers and start to figure out where their flavor profile lies. Then they can go into specific boutique brands and find where they want to drop their coin.
In my experience, the big three above still have a good deal here and there. I usually don't check them as often as I used to when they first started offering them, but they sometimes throw a gem out there that can't be turned down. I picked up a 50ct Xikar travel case for $50 from Cigar Monster. That was a great deal.
I get 95% of my cigars from local stores or from regional B&Ms that I've cultivated a relationship with. Guys like Eric at Jack Schwartz, Empire Cigars, Leaf And Ale, . . . have great customer service and will put together something if you ask for it.
When the Airbenders came out, Jack Schwartz put together the SuperKrishna Airbender special, 2 each of each vitola so the LFD whores out there could give them all a try. That's what'll keep the customers returning.
I haven't had a specific bad experience with the big three at the top, so I can't comment on what you've described, but I think once you find a place where you can develop a relationship, you will enjoy the craft of cigars much more.