Why aren't my vanilla beans imparting vanilla flavor? Has anyone noticed the lack of vanilla flavor in vanilla beans? 

I have tried several varieties, from different countries and suppliers. While there is a hint of vanilla, I am using triple the beans plus extract and gain some but not much effect. I have taken all the beans, (new ones) and made vanilla paste, which should be omg this kitchen reeks with vanilla! But it does not.
The aroma of vanilla beans is not easy to release. You have to extract it somehow. The most popular way is a prolonged extraction with alcohol, but you can also boil the seeds in milk or other dairy (that method is especially popular for custards). 

If you simply throw seeds into whatever you are making, you are not going to get much aroma.