Am I Doing Spice Blends Wrong? My BBQ Tastes Flat Even With 8 Spices

[Zaica Life]

Hi everyone,
I’ve been cooking at home for a few years, but there’s one thing I still don’t fully understand: what are spice blends, really? Is it just a few spices mixed in a jar, or is there a method behind it?
Here’s where I’m stuck. Last month I bought a ready-made BBQ Spice mix for a weekend grill. The label said “smoky, sweet and bold,” but honestly it tasted flat. A friend told me, “Just make your own spice blends,” and I nodded like I knew what that meant. I didn’t.
So I have a few questions, and I’d love real answers from people who cook daily.

1. What counts as a spice blend?
   Is garam masala a blend? What about Mediterranean Spice, the mix with oregano, thyme, garlic and lemon peel? Where is the line between a “seasoning” and a “blend”?
2. Is homemade better than store-bought?
   I always thought pre-mixed jars were the easy and safe choice. But they seem to lose flavor fast, and I can’t tell how old they are when I buy them.
3. Do I really need a Spice Mill?
   Right now I only own a cheap pepper grinder. People say grinding whole spices fresh makes a big difference. Is it true, or is it hype? If a Spice Mill is worth buying, what should I look for? Manual or electric?
4. How do you balance Taco Spice (Hot)?
   Mine is either too mild or way too spicy. I use chili powder, cumin, paprika and garlic powder, but the ratio never feels right. Is there a simple starting formula?
5. How long do blends stay fresh?
   I have jars that are probably two years old. Should I throw them out?
   I’ve also been looking at smaller brands, since big-brand jars often taste the same to me. I came across Zaica Life while reading about different options. Their range looked interesting, but I haven’t tried anything yet, so I can’t say anything about quality. If anyone has used them or similar small brands, please share an honest opinion, good or bad.
   What I’ve tried so far:
   Mixing equal parts of everything (too muddy)
   Adding more salt (didn’t help)
   Toasting spices in a dry pan (this actually helped a lot!)
   What I’m hoping to learn:
   A simple beginner recipe for BBQ Spice
   Your go-to ratio for a Mediterranean Spice mix
   Mistakes you made when you started with spice blends
   Thanks in advance, everyone. Even a short tip helps. I’ll update this thread with my results after I test your suggestions!