I used to think pricey interconnects were snake oil...

I used to think snake oil was pricy interconnects until I saw the light that snake oil is just oil made from snakes. 

So this comes to question the cables that are sold on Aliexpress like these Cardas Clone cables, and interconnects.

I know a few folks here have purchased these are they an upgrade? If so from what? Not the real Cardas or Nordost or other premium products. 

https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-Cardas.html?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20230819101940&SearchText=Cardas&spm=a2g0o.detail.1000002.0

I believe it is taking on the name of the Brand that is is the factor that enables a increase in the asking price by the vendor, I don't see the mimicking of the products aesthetic only, being a reason that would encourage a buyer to increase their cost to acquire the item. 

Nordost Brand is commonly seen at a inflated price, does the Clones of Nordost vs the Cloned Cardas carry much cost difference to produce?

The Nordost Clone is typically seen with a uncreased asking price over many other Cloned Branded Cables. Which is most likely a reflection of the non-fake Nordost retail price.

There was a couple threads on the fake Nordost offered on Aliexpress. I had a real set of Nordost Odin 2 in my system for several weeks… so I know what they sound like. So I bought a set of Nordost Odin2 from AliExpress. I can assure you, they did not sound anything like the real Nordost Odin 2. 
 

So, then comes the question… do they sound better than Blue Jeans or some low level interconnect. Honestly, I have better things to do. But, to me buying fake interconnects should not be one’s default. I would rather buy a low end Cardas… and know what I am getting, versus a fake Cardas… which is most likely to be inferior… with a small possibility of it sounding better. I would really rather live in a world where people get paid for the effort and quality of materials put into their products.

Cables- a quagmire separating the wheat from the chaff.