I thought the same thing at first, after several more bowls of various varieties the nuance and subtleties of virginias began to shine. Probably just my palate starting to be able to pick flavors out a little more. They get better every time I have them, still evolving. At first they tasted very straightforward and bland, but now to me they taste very fresh, herbal/grassy, crisp, and clean. Darker ones can even get a little jammy/dark fruit kind of flavor that I love. Plus the various differences in the leaf and with the way they are processed, bright, red, dark, stoved, pressed, plug, etc just becomes really fascinating to taste. The one's that opened my eyes were a six year old tin of Capstan Yellow, and one year old tin of McClelland 40th Anniversary. Still my favorite VA, and just an incredible tobacco. SG FVF and HH Pure VA are must try blends as well IMO.
Cadence had a lot to do with it for me as well, a lot of virginias go to shit immediately when they are pushed even a little bit too quickly/too hot. Plug varieties seem to be a little more tolerant with this in my experience, but full disclosure, I still don't know shit about shit. Just my perception so far. YMMV.
I find va/pers to be some of the most complex and intriguing tobaccos out there. They and english blends are far and away my favorites. Eye openers for me on that one were Esoterica Dunbar and RO Firestorm. Salty Dogs may be my new favorite though, although it has a light rum topping.
I'm sure that will change. If I've learned anything from the world of beer, whiskey, cigars, and women, it is that my tastes and preferences are constantly evolving. I'm a one brand guy when it comes to that last one these days though. But I can still look in the windows and appreciate