@guyrox
For me, other people, especially those with much experience, can see and consider attributes that I cannot. I value other people's opinions because they help me to clarify my own even if I don't hold theirs myself. In the end, I will make my OWN decision. But having heard from people who have seen and smoked probably over a thousand pipes, I know I'll make a better informed one.
Btw, you never answered the question of which you would choose and why. Getting both was not an option :p