This was a HUGE revelation for me as well. People often talk about methods to pack a pipe, as if it's always done the same way. But I too found that the cut and brand of tobacco, as well as a particular pipe, can make a massive difference in how I pack it.I have started to learn that not every bowl I own can be packed (or even smoked) the exact same way, something I did not really understand before.
Eventually, you get to know your pipes, brands, and cuts well enough to get each one set up for an ideal smoke. Well, until you acquire new ones, that is...