My J. Alan Pipe (A Review)

As some of you know, I just purchased a J. Alan pipe from Ebay estate auction. I had heard about this maker from fellows at the NYC Pipe Club and knew that one day I just must try this maker. The rave reviews were just too much to ignore.
My opportunity came to try one where the dollar amount was perfect for me. The pipe came in needing quite a bit of cleaning on the inside. The stem was atrocious with bite marks everywhere, but some diligent work on my polishing machine brought it back to pristine condition. No worries, a labor of love.
Now the decision; what tobacco to smoke. Should I dedicate this to English or Va's? I decided with my new love for the English, I would go in that direction. Bald Headed Teacher was elected and here we go.
I hate the pipe.
Why? It's draw is perfect. The balance is quite good. It looks great-the rustication is beautiful, the design is lovely, so what's the problem?
For those of us who have had the privilege of owning a Rad Davis pipe, one of the amazing things about his craftsmanship is the stem.
Ah, the stem. J. Alan's stem work, (after hearing about such perfection) is simply not up to the price point standard that, IMHO, the pipes are going for (at least in this specimen sample). I need a stem where there is a definitive button, followed by a gentle flow outward towards the bowl. This pipe's stem is crafted with an immediate swelling that is just incredibly annoying, at least to me. I just can't hold it comfortably clenching in my mouth.
Now, everyone, this type of thing is personal. My good buddy Roger is sitting next me as I'm writing this little missive, and he is offering to purchase it and take the burden off of my hands. He tried it last night and found it to be 'no problem'.
Well, there you go.
My quest for this ultimate pipe maker is now sated. I have tried 'perfection' and found it to be wanting.
Again, with no disrespect, this pipe is just not my cup of tea. Good Luck, Mr. J.Alan.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/J-ALAN-GRACIK-SQUAT-BULLDOG-SHAPED-PIPE-WITH-EXOTIC-WOOD-TRIM-PIPESTUD-/151143057939?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&nma=true&si=Ujfp3xIXuZaYSFrY6pofMeCUxsA%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

Peck and Harris
Most likely, you guys are correct. Jeffry is a young pipe maker and I could have purchased an early piece of his work. Harris you have warned me about this possibility on any pipe maker, including Rad. I do remember hearing that Rad's early creations have difficulties-the talent is there, but not up to 'snuff'. Similar to any of the major composers of music-early work showing incredible promise, but maturity is and was needed.
I just wanted a J. Alan pipe and I didn't take caution as to the details of when the pipe was made-the price blinded me.
@jgriff-yes, I have found Rad Davis. But I'm sure there are other pipe craftsmen out there who can make fine pipes. This is a learning experience for me, and mistakes will be made. Hopefully, I'll learn from them.
Thanks guys.

@Peck--my good friend was with me when I wrote my first post about the pipe, and he wants to buy it. He has no problem with it at all!
I'm just remembering an earlier thread where someone mentioned if they every purchased a higher end pipe and ever posted that it wasn't up to their expectations.
Well, I guess I'm posting this now. LOL
Once again, to be fair, this was probably early work of Jeff, and it is my fault for not doing due diligence. I should have known based on the auction final price, those in the 'know' did not bid heavily on it.

Gentlemen
Thank you all!!
On to the new pipe quest!