Those spice sticks look very cool, will have to give them a try.
As for the ham, I am going to try marinating it, like you said, it wont hurt anything. It is going to be a busy smoking weekend, I have 3 hams to smoke as well as the 24 eggs, 2 lbs of sausage, onions and garlic for my pickled eggs and sausage. as well as a 10 lb load of cheese to smoke and vacuum pack. I fixed my cold smoke attachment this morning so I will give it a go tonight with the cheese.