Erain,
Ilini and I had a whole conversation about the smoke ring or lack there of with the electrics last year. I have been very happy with my MES over the past 15 months, but couldn't help but notice that I could not generate the smoke ring shown in many posts. It does seem to be an issue of air flow, smoke generation (volume) an potentially other factors.
My food has alway had a good smoked flavor and is visaully applealing, just lacks the ring. The end conclusion was, if you are entering a competition the lack of smoke ring would knock you out of the running. If you are looking for good food and an easy way to regulate temperature, this unit is great.
I have the 30" in black btw. I have yet to make bad food in my MES and that statement goes a long way in my book.