@bigvan, you are spot-on about the issue of balance. Balance is even more important to churchwardens than regular bents, because when it is no there, you feel it so much more. Especially if you are a clencher, good balance is such a must.
Now, I've always loved churchwarden pipes, even before LOTR, and before even taking up the smoking hobby. Maybe it was my time in Germany, as akid, getting influenced by all the St. Nicholas images with him smoking a long pipe - they are everywhere, or used to be.
Then again, maybe it WAS the Hobbit! Well, at least the old animated movie from the 1970's...