I literally have never had a hard time finding real maple syrup unless I'm in a gas station or something.

Maybe it's because I'm in the Midwest and sugar maple is absolutely everywhere, but it's very, very easy to find real maple. Yes it's more expensive, and absolutely yes it tastes far better.

Maple syrup to "pancake syrup" is like real butter to hydrogenated palm oil. My mother uses the Blue Bonnet margarine, and I used to use it growing up. As an adult I've only used real stick butter and god, going back home sometimes for dinner can really suck. Margarine is so chemical-tasting, how the hell do people butter their toast with it?