Good point. Based on your experience, implied vol is higher BEFORE a breakout to new high? or implied vol is higher AFTER a breakout to new high has taken place? I reckon it's the AFTER that has a higher implied vol, isn't it? That would make buying on a pullback more expensive.
Just to add on, ETF normally has a lower volatility compared to a single stock's volatilty and this makes ETF options cheaper... Correct me if I am wrong please