There is some break-in with many pipes that enhances the smoke by a noticeable measure. The trouble is, this fact has generated a truck load of lore and mystery that has made breaking in a pipe seem like a profound ritual that requires long study and many steps. In fact, with many pipes, it is only a matter of packing and smoking them regularly, and nothing more is required, and many pipes are pretty much good to go right out of the sock. I guess it requires some experience to know which pipes are which.
