Just thought I'd throw my experiences into the ring here. I'm a relative newbie, only been smoking cigars since October 2010. When I started purchasing stuff, I did my research and on the humidity-control side bought into the Shilala/HCM beads.
Since my first 75-count size desktop humidor, I've expanded into a smallish end-table humidor, and also constructed a DIY temperature-controlled Igloodor. Everything I've got uses Shilala/HCM beads. However, I confess that I do have active humidification in the end table because it was second hand and leaks a bit more than it should, and and I'm a lazy butt. One of these days I'll get some weather stripping and be done with it.
I've always dealt with Mike (CigarNut) and he's a great guy; the product isn't so bad either (vast understatement, grin).
So far I've not had an RH blip that wasn't self inflicted or an hygrometer glitch. I do know for sure though, that if I ever grow past the 600 stick level I'm at now, you can be sure it'll be with HCM beads!
GREAT job, guys! Kudos for the science AND the great customer relations! My hat's off to you!