When I first started smoking, I went on the assumption that tinned tobaccos were superior and pretty much avoided all bulks. Now that I've learned a few things, bulk tobaccos offer a much better value and the quality is certainly there with the reputable manufacturers. Mason jars are certainly the way to go and very fool proof. Simply fill em up and put a lid on it, store out of direct light in a cool place and you are good to go for years.
Hearth and Home, Gawith, McClelland, Cornell & Diehl are just a few of the brands I keep around. The only real difference I've found is that certain tobaccos such as flakes, tend to be more uniform cut in the tinned format, but not really that big of a deal. There's plenty of great bulk tobaccos in every variety. As long as what you buy, be it internet order or from a B&M, as long as the tobacco is at the right moisture level and not dried out, jar it up and don't worry about it. Of course not all tinned blends are available in bulk so I tend to buy and cellar away a good deal of both varieties.