I’ve only got just over a month’s experience and my briars are not expensive so my opinion’s probably worth very little. Having said all that, I really like the unrestricted draw I get from the MM cobs and hardwoods I have, compared to the 3 briars I’ve tried so far. I also love the aesthetics.
I’m disappointed in myself really: I think I had plans to be a refined pipe smoker, pontificating over the merits of various English blends whilst gesturing with my Dunhill pipe but after a month, I seem to spend more time smoking strong Virginia/Burley blends with plum casings or similar, out of a Legend, Devil Cutty or Maple Country Gentleman.