I have come to believe, after much reading on this site, that no-one should be able to purchase a Peterson unless they take and pass a test. The test will show whether or not the prospective buyer has any understanding at all about Peterson pipes, system and non, and their construction.
I have smoked, almost exclusively, Peterson's when smoking root pipes for 50 years or so, all bents to some degree. My last purchase was back in March when in Dublin. I have top ends and lower range, system and non, in my rotation. I can truthfully say that while I prefer a couple over the others, none of them smoke badly or have unacceptable fills or other blemishes. The craftsmanship is good and I have none that are poorly drilled or have fitting problems.
I'd really like to read the names of these retailers who sell so many bad Peterson branded pipes. These bad Petes must be everywhere and yet, I have not stumbled across one. I certainly will conceded that any maker will now and then have a less than stellar item make it out the door, but if Peterson was producing a high percentage of less than acceptable pipes they'd certainly be having problems with the bottom line.