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

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.

I have been more loyal to a wire type used for the Signal Path, more so than a Cable construction, even though pure copper connectors used on both cable ends and chassis mounted connections is today seen as a mandatory requirement.

I will state with conviction, swapping a Copper Wire to a Silver Wire,  will usually create a sonic that is undeniably different. Depending on the wire type, the differences can be worlds apart, I have experienced Silver Wire, that had to be removed with immediacy, as it was such an unattractive sonic in the system it was used, on the same note I used a Silver Cable in favour of Copper for multiple years, until I discovered PC Tripe C Wire. 

I have found experiencing the same wire used in a cable, where a cable is  produced at differing lengths, between 0.5mtr - 5mtr. When undergoing a A/B comparison, where the 5mtr cable works along with a device placed in the system, that can use the shortest cable, there are subtle differences to the sonic, that are  able to be detected between these cable lengths. Usually a frequency can be controlled in how the projection is being perceived, using this method. No need trying anything like this if a 5mtr Cable is not required within the system.   

One of the biggest changes to a sonic outside of changing a wire type, was when what had become a very untidy mess behind the system was given a period of my time to have the cables organised, separated and avoid crossing over where possible, the organised Cables brought a sonic that was immediately noticeable  for being more attractive.