Taking my first shot at growing tobacco.

I think you are showing us only "half the picture" (oh, you have changed the pictures).

For purposes of cigar leaf, I understand that this is very labour intensive and difficult to get right. However, the plant itself is really easy to get to grow. But, when you want specific qualities to present themselves, then you have to deprive the plant in very specific ways in order to get your preferred results. Otherwise, it is like any other plant you may want to grow and smoke, with equally disgusting results (note, I am not talking about Spiderman's girl friend here....she is always easy to grow and always gives you the result you are looking for).

That's why Cuba is "it", and many other climes are close to "it". Its the right combination of hospitable air and moisture, with the right combination of inhospitable soil and sun. So, you may want to try to up the light, and make the soil more sandy. But, I am not a horticultural/botanic type, so I can't be certain.

Cheers

Cy