i agree, ive grown the same strains as friends.
ive compared with a more experienced grower and actually had similar results. but we did live 2 blocks away from each other and because of that our outside environment were identical, i got the seeds from said individual but also had the luxury of asking him for advice any time i felt it necessary.
ive also done a side by side comparison with a friend where all plants were grown in the same room but on different tables under different 1000w hps lights. the "friend" used fox farm nutrients and had decent results. i used Bloom nutrients and blew his finished product out of the water (based on taste. appearance, smell, and yield).
ive never thought it was a good idea to compare dispensary strains to what you are growing at home for a couple of reasons.
if you got the clone from that dispensary chances are that the breeder is selling the lessor phenotype clones to the dispensary. meaning he keeps the more vigorous plants for himself to produce top quality product for the dispensary. why would he want any competition, especially brought on by himself.
and my other reason is this. when i raise a clone or seedling up from a young age i take very good care of them and pay very close attention to make sure they are not infested with any pests, mildew, or fungi, witch would in turn stun the growth process of said plant and cause it to produce a lower quality product.
i know several people who have invited spider mites and powder mold into their grow op due to purchase of clones from a dispensary.
chances are your environment isnt the same as whoever grew the original product. so i wouldnt expect to grow the same product.
flavors and smells may be similar because those things are most commonly strain wide. but looks and potency will most likely differ.