The flavour might not be crazy, as you write about the rubs and breakfasts. But paying 10 dollars for a coffee, is crazy in my opinion.
It's just good harmless fun. I'd totally pay for that.
Only once, obviously.
Their roastery in Seattle is quite different though and worth visiting since they do have good coffee, interesting merch, interesting architecture, etc.
https://www.starbucksreserve.com/en-us/locations/new-york
That photo doesn't look anything like your average Starbucks interior.
Other reserve locations, such as this one in Tokyo https://maps.app.goo.gl/diFWHoByG3783V8u5 or this one in Vancouver https://maps.app.goo.gl/HGWsXsinAparQ7bGA are pretty much "slightly bougier" locations that as far as I know don't really have anything unique going on, with the exception that you can sometimes get shitty coffee made in a siphon brewer.
The roasteries always seem to get that special touch though.
Its very expensive for the average Chinese person and is considered fairly fancy or upscale. At least it was when I lived there.
Same rule applies to Pizza Hut.