What, pray tell, do you think the great unwashed need to do to get back to a more academic study of pipes here?
Wut? "Great unwashed"? Your term, not mine.
Let's see... If I leave your question unanswered the implied accusation stands. If I answer it without correction it not only stands but appears to be affirmed by me. And if I do try to correct it---as I am doing---you left yourself the "That's not what I meant! You're projecting! Stop picking on me!" back door.
Alinsky's spirit is alive and well, I see. Even on pipe boards. lol
Sorry, not gonna play.
As for a return to a more scholarly approach, that will either happen of its own accord or it won't, as some of today's newcomers gain experience and want more out of the hobby. It's a critical mass thing. Too few, and it won't happen. Enough, and it will.