Escioe & Jim:
I think it all comes down to ways and means. I've been broke, stoney broke and then I've also wondered whether or not I'd be moving to a public shelter or couch surfing amongst friends.
I came into this hobby on a budget: through good times and bad I've built up a nice stable of quality - but not artisan quality burners. I've also acquired a stash of tobacco that will see me through several years, or more, of lean times. (Guys, I'm blessed and I thank God each and every day.)
Jim, that initial pay out might be out of the OP's reach. I love free shipping as much as the next mook, but sometimes getting to that point just isn't in the budget, And, Escioe, if my math is correct your same formula would result in the following:
With H&H blends, I average 10 bowls an ounce
8x10=80 bowls
32/80=$0.225/bowl
It's a big difference.
Zen, I don't have an adequate response for you. But I do know that Mr. Ouelette's smokes are, hands down, the best value out there for a quality bowl of tobacco.
Having champagne taste on a beer budget can really suck, but it does make me want to try all that harder to make more money and be a better provider to my family and my hobbies.
Fnord