I haven't snorted 2C-I yet...have snorted 2C-B many times (every time I've taken it) and sniffed 2C-E a handful of times too...
I am gonna have to sniff 2C-I now to see if what you say is the same..hehe...only taken it orally, once.
I always find the burn is significantly less (reduced to a throbbing) if you dab your finger in your dose and sniff it up your nose - like a coke spoon effect...and then rub the remaining residuals into the upper part of your septum. Works a treat with all the chemicals in my opinion...without the pain, eye watering etc.
I would agree that, if your goal is adventurous self-exploration, you may find another material more suitable after a little experience with -I. I wouldn't choose 2C-I (not on its own, anyway) if I were planning a big, crucify the ego type trip; LSD remains my top choice for that, and I hear 2C-E has the most to offer of the 2C family for such trips. 2C-I feels like the ultimate recreational psychedelic; it's quite euphoric, the visuals are interesting eye candy (especially at higher doses) and the headspace is altered and interesting without being too weird or scary.
It seems closest to mescaline from my limited experience with the latter, but even softer.
I would completely agree with everything you said...
I was having a bit of a shit day when I decided to dose my 2C-I, but decided to dose anyways, and was taking it for the first time at the pub where my friends were throwing a halloween party, and I thought it would be perfect for my first time.
It was - it was very easy (I orally took about 20-25mg encapsulated) and the comeup was
very gradual, unlike 2C-E orally which seemed to have a more aggressive action.
Completely recreational, I remember thinking that it had no entheogenic qualities about it WHATSOEVER...
THe visuals were pretty nice, like a high dose of 2C-B - I found there to be an added bonus of flashing white star/light-effects to it - something I'd never experienced on another hallucinogen.
I found the body-stimulation just right too, until I worked out (like on LSD) I couldn't get to sleep! Even though it was after T+ 10!!
On a side note, I would say 2C-E is VERY good for analyzing the back-to-front of your mind - super useful given the right dose, set & setting.