I've learned (as in the other topic on this) it's great for livening up any english blend, or providing some fullness to one lacking body. As for the Va/Pers, I'm leaving as soon as I click post on this to go to the b&m and try some out!
Oh and as for the long strands... I wondered about this too so I took about half of what I was adding to a blend and pinched it in half as best I could, then just threw in the rest as is. Other times I've left it as is and just went with it. Both worked fine for me, the only thing I might venture to guess may be leaving them a bit longer could cause them to burn slower which would definately be benificial in my opinion. The main thing I found was leaving my new "blend" sealed up tightly for a week or two made a difference to help the flavors mix more than anything.