Thanks to everyone who replied on my question thread, we're getting a Masterbuilt 800 vertical charcoal smoker. Either they have top notch bot game, or the people posting glowing reviews on Reddit are very happy.

Offers 700 max temp, and the ability to use actual wood chunks for the smoking process.

The $300+ in HD gift cards from HD really knocked down the price concerns, too.

And beer. Don't forget about beer.

I bring it everywhere I go. Everywhere.

If you already have a smoker, why do you want another one? I like my Traeger, but I think it'd be a lateral or mild smoker move at best.

It would be the ability to consolidate. I could have all my grill and smoke needs in one place. Honestly my biggest hang up isn’t the cost, it’s that I think I would miss the pure side of smoking with wood chunks and lump coal. The pellet thing… doesn’t that feel cheap and robotic? Is the taste any different?

They take a lot longer to heat up and it's easy to drop temp by opening the grill. I tried to use mine to cook burgers and it was really annoying vs sweet lady propane (Weber).

As far as pellets I think I haven't noticed enough of a difference to make me reconsider vs wood, especially re: convenience. I think a lot of it is my need for practice and experience.

I really enjoy the direct flame and 600 degree heat I can get on my gas grill.

Thanks, with that knowledge I’m leaning towards passing on the Traeger. The ease of use for smoking is appealing but I’m going to keep roughing it on the primitive but great WSM.

There are just certain things that simply require a flame.

For example, I don't love the taste of smoked tri tip. It's ok, even with a reverse sear on the grill. But nothing beats a fire-sear followed by indirect grill heat on low for 20 mins or so.