I bought my first GBD in 1970 from Smoker's Haven in Columbus...a Granitan which still smokes well today. I acquired quite a few more GBD's thereafter while that shop was in its heyday. All remain good smokers and some are truly exceptional. My personal favorites are the #269 Bulldogs in any grade and always with an English tobacco. A #269 in Virgin I bought in '72 is unchallenged as my best smoking pipe ever, better than my vintage Charatans and Comoys, and always with an English blend.
GBD's from the '70's, including the "Sovereign's" from France, are well made and good smokers when properly cared for and restored. I'd recommend them to any seasoned smoker and novice. I've also owned Theydon's and Digby's, GBD's "seconds" lines, and wouldn't knock either for smoking quality. Unfortunately, I don't own new GBD's and am reluctant to comment upon their quality. It seems to me generally, however, that the briar offered now by the major pipe brands is less dense than that used in the seventies and earlier. This may permit some unique staining contrasts but I don't think delivers the same quality smoke as the better estates can over time.