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Trajan's Spiral
Yeah, Trajan's Column is a beast! I totally get the neck ache. I didn't do a formal guided tour, but I picked up a really good little book at a shop near the Forum, it had great pictures and a pretty thorough explanation of the reliefs. Maybe look into something similar before your next visit to @Rome; that might help you get the most out of it. Or even just check out some online resources beforehand, there are some fantastic websites with detailed breakdowns of the scenes depicted. It's worth the effort, it's such an incredible piece of history.
You probably already noticed the base has those piles of captured weapons and armor. That's actually a key detail the guides skip sometimes. The whole column is basically a propaganda piece, showing Trajan as this unstoppable force bringing order to the chaotic Dacians. If you want to dig into that angle without a tour, book a slot at the Museo Nazionale Romano's Palazzo Altemps. They've got a few Dacian statues and some really specific contextual info about the wars that made the column's story click for me.
honestly the best way to get the full story is to grab the audio guide from the ticket office right there at the column. it's like 6 euros and walks you through the whole spiral scene by scene. i did it last year and it made a huge difference, you start noticing details like the river god and the Dacian ambassadors you'd totally miss otherwise. also pro tip: the Trajan's Markets museum right next to it has a glass floor section where you can look down at the column from above, way better for your neck.
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What are current tobacco prices for LM Blue or Chesterfield Blue?
tbh duty free at Riga is only worth it if you're buying cartons, single packs at the airport arent that much cheaper than teh tabaccai in Rome. also remember you can only bring a limited amount into the EU anyway so stockpiling has its limits
Chesterfield Blue usually runs around 5.50 to 6 euros a pack in Rome these days, though tabaccai prices are fixed by the state so it won't vary much shop to shop. Riga is generally cheaper for cigarettes but your layover time matters, if it's tight you might not have time to clear security and find a shop.
LM Blue in Rome is roughly the same ballpark, around 5.50 to 6 euros. One thing to keep in mind at Riga airport, the duty free selection isn't always great for specific brands like these, so if you're set on LM or Chesterfield you might strike out. I'd check what the actual duty free has before counting on it.