I would think if you are pulling in a lot of ash into your mouth, you might be packing too loose. Try packing tighter next time you smoke without the filter and see if that helps!
I agree portascat! I am going to carry around my largest pipe in my pocket at the next pipe show I go to and have a small pipe in my hand. When they offer me a bowl, I am going to pull out my big pipe!
I wouldn't mind going back to the 50s!
Here is a link to the article on that aristocob website...
http://aristocob.blogspot.com/2010/09/origins-of-aristocob-system-pipe.html
I started smoking a pipe when I was 18 as well, it took me awhile to start smoking outside in front of people. Now at 22 I just give people weird looks back!