after trying a number of these beers (both homebrew & commercial), I believe the dark roast & high hoppage don't play well together. that, and the fact that many folks are just trying to make a visually black ipa that tastes like a standard ipa, seems to be the main reason for using carafa or sinamar rather than roast grains. I for one don't get it. I tend to agree with you, but don't find the higher roast examples to work as well. not sure why, american stouts are one style that combine high hoppage with roast flavor.