...Does it save $ to mix your own in the long run or is it just a taste thing?...
I only DIY no-nic flavors and I only use flavors from The Perfumer's Apprentice. The quality & flavors are great and I'm working toward a Zero Nicotine regimen. I also like knowing what I'm vaping and that it is cost-effective. For Nicotine, I buy pre-mixed, and sometimes use these self-mixed PA flavors to top off cartomizers or mix with pre-mixed ones to nic-them-down or improve the flavor, but mostly vape them alone.