Local HEB has USDA Select bone in rib roasts for $4.77 pound. That's as cheap as ground meat. Is it worth it at that price? They have prime for $18.99 a pound but wondering if the price delta is worth it. Albertsons has USDA choice rib roasts going for $4.99 tomorrow but they never seem to have enough loss leaders available.

4.99 for choice is great. I'd do that and not look back. 18.99 for prime seems good too these days

I have tried many cooking methods on the cheapest rib roast, and no matter what, they never pop. They're never bad, but are never memorable.

Yes. Worth it if you reverse sear.

Suggestions on vacuum packing? Will a regular foodsaver work on a big roast like this? I'm sure I'd have to find the bigger bag/roll but worth it. Publix has choice standing rib roasts for 6.79 a pound which is crazy. I don't think the butcher would cut it into steaks for me but I'd love to grab a couple and make one into steaks and try smoking one as well.

Yes, you'll need some bigger bags. Or, you can just cut them into steaks of a thickness of your choosing, and now you have ribeye steaks to grill.

Was able to get a 15 pound Choice from Albertsons for about $75

Choice, yes.
Select? Nah.

I picked up my order. 3 bone Prime 1 roast $16/lb came out to $106. 3 plus lb tenderloin for Wellington. Prime 1 and Waygu were same price at $39.99 so went with Waygu. That went for a cool $140. TTL came out for right at $250. Woof.

But it's family and Christmas two dinners.