I had Dan make me a pipe that I asked to be blasted, but as the grain chaser that he is, he went and made it smooth, because he brought out some awesome grain... but he had one pit, which I demanded didn't bother me at all. But, he blasted just that area to make the pit go away. Sigh. But, I love the pipe none-the-less. I think that small tiny pits bother the pipemakers more than they bother me. I'd rather have a small pit than a fill. But, none-the-less most pipemakers are more guided by their own sense of craftsmanship than the customers.
I have also had guys show me pipes they bought, pointing out small fills and pits that my eyes just don't see. They seemed so dissapointed. So, some guys obviously hate them.
But, as far as just rusticating or sandblasting to cover pits, I believe that some may do that, but some may chose wood for it's blasting and rustication properties, so they were destined to be blasts in the beginning.
And, just in case Dan reads this... I definitely treasure the pipes that he has made for me, and respect his craftsmanship based on principles. Even if I really wanted a blasted pipe.