Congrats on 2.6 years! I am almost 7 months out myself. That's awesome!
"Are Blu's that bad?" Good heavens NO! It's not ever a bad thing when someone takes steps to stop burning analogs. Blu is a common entry-point device and you are personally observing/experiencing the reason that many people "move up" from cigalikes. You've obviously noticed the "less than optimal performance", the very short battery life, and you are seeing how the Blu "eco-system" encourages you to buy (and buy and buy) their pre-filled cartos. All of those are solid and common experiences and in no way "bad".
Refilling the Blu cartomizers is one way to try to save money (my wife had me refilling hers for months) and it familiarizes you with what a carto is, how it works, how they atomize, how they eventually die, and getting really good at dripping into teeny tiny cartos!
As others have (and will) recommend, a good "next step" would be to get an eGo battery or two. If you can get one of the many good "starter kits" out there, it will include heads that will allow you to use various liquids and your Blu cartos will fit and work on them as well (bigger battery, longer life, same carto).
If Blu is an "entry level" going with eGo's (and their attachments) is low/mid tier and a very comfortable place to enjoy vaping. Some folks settle in there and feel no need to go "gadget crazy" or spend more on hardware than that. There's lots of additional "steps up" and it is possible to "leap-frog" tiers.... all up to you.
What you will discover is that there are a LOT of well informed, very helpful, experienced and friendly folks here who are more than happy to share their personal experience, insight and advice. All of which will make you a better informed vaper and consumer. What "works best for you" is something that you will determine as you make those informed choices.
so I decided I was going to try e-cigs and went out and got a cheap blu starter pack. it's the 35 dollar one with the regular size case batteries and regular tobacco flavor. So far so good. Not quite a cigarette but I have gotten used to it. The whole idea is to stop "smoking".
All that being said, the batteries are pretty weak and I've read a whole lot about so many other alternatives.
I was wondering if their premium or premium 100 versions which have bigger batteries are better or if there really is a better product I should try? I really don't want to spend a fortune, but if I'm really missing out on something, I should consider it now before I spend anymore money.
I watched a few videos about how I can refill the blu carts so I might do that, but again, I want to learn about what might be better.
Thanks.
Roveer
If you aren't smoking, you've already won. The best PV is the one that you stop smoking with. You'll find gear you need, gear you want and gear you lust after. Good luck and have fun!