Progress So Far

Good for you! I smoked a few aros hot the first few times and got tongue burn like none other. Slow and steady does the trick! I also used the method of packing very light, gravity feed once, then lightly packing a little more tobacco. The smoke doesn't last as long, but the flavors definitely open up.

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Welcome aboard! I'd buy blends in small quantities for the first two years -- an ounce in bulk, a pouch, one tin. That will allow you sample around and see what you like. Even if you like something, keep the quantities small, since your taste will change. And if you don't like something, jar it for a year and try it again, for the same reason. Study the online tobacco pages of our sponsors and learn the different constituent tobaccos, strength, room note, and so on. Lane's good, moderately priced, quality tobacco mostly, with plenty of aromatic and non-aro to try. Sutliff, C&D, and so many others, also offer excellent options. Have fun!

I'd buy blends in small quantities for the first two years

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I don't think he, or any of us, have the luxury to drag our feet for 2 years. I recommend if you find something you really like, start stocking up. Start trying some dunhill blends and if you like one, buy 10 tins to stash because they are gone once the stock runs out. Concentrate on trying blends that may disappear, and that is anything that has come out after 2007.
Lane Very Cherry is VERY cherry. I'd recommend trying Lane Dark Red...it's a bit more subtle. And people that like cherry seem to like Cult Blood Red Moon. But keep in mind most aromatics don't age as well as other tobaccos, like virginia.
Grumpybear, happy belated BDay and congrats on the new Brushed Black. I have several. You really can't go wrong with a Stanwell. Great bang for the buck.
And if you are tasting ash mid-bowl, there is nothing wrong with tipping out the ash. If you packed it right, the tobacco will remain.

I think most of us will get a hot tongue the first times we try to smoke a pipe.

I don't think it matters all that much if the tobacco is an aro or a more natural blend.

Unless you've learned to pace yourself from the beginning and have a natural affinity for packing and sipping, it takes awhile.

Sometimes, that sensation of burning isn't caused by heat, but PH levels.

I'm not absolutely certain, but I think if you stick with a tobacco, it improves as you get yourself accustomed to its vagaries, and your own. Your mileage may vary.