Yea, I actually imported a few cultivars last year, because I wanted those European genetics. I think it's prudent to get cultivars from far and wide, because if your trying to make something 100% original, you need to bring these kinds of disparate genetic lines together, and some of the vestiges built into them from their respecitve micro-climates. Then breed them with cultivars that are known qualities, in your own micro-climate zone.
Bam! Something new, and pretty unique. I'm sure the results will vary, but I think it's on the right track. Of course, getting really fine specimens is key.
Auto Mazar (Dutch Passion) is one of those that I was hellbent on acquiring, and wanting to breed it with some of the local cuts. I am perfectly content to breed things with that landrace Thai. I've got the patience for these sorts of projects, (but very limited space).
I really love the idea's of breeding my own cultivars, but when you get too much blending of the "modern cultivar" in the mix, it turns into something "common" and usually somewhat fruity. (Everyone is doing this, including me). Isolation of traits is one of the big fundamentals here, I believe.
Breeding a deep purple landrace into a pure 100% natrual Sativa Thai has to produce something pretty unique, and special, but finding a really good choice on the landrace side is going to really improve the different possibilities. I'm thinking of this Thai as a sorta flavor box, but want to discard most of it's outter body for another, more improved version.