I am a forged in fire briar man. I think that the slight aroma that warmed briar adds to the smoke is essential for me. I know some guys can smoke clays, and meerschaums are very traditional, but just not for me. Cobs, well, hopefully by now, people know my opinions on those, ha ha. But, for me... I even get a little picky about the types of briar. None of that underaged or off cut briar for me. I have a few grabows I bought to try out early on, but they just have something off in the aroma that bothers me... princess and the pea... maybe.
Briar is just durable, nice looking, and accentuates the flavors, IMO. It's just what pipes are supposed to be, for me. Anyone else can smoke what pleases them,
And, yep, my wife would look at me cross-eyed if I tried to wear cut offs, ha ha.