And, there is no "official" in pipe smoking. Some dump, some don't, some wash with water, some are scared of it, some... well, it would be like putting rules on kite flying, no one would obey them anyways.
Truth be told, it just depends with me. Sometimes, I just clench and breathsmoke my way to the bottom, without touching the pipe. Sometimes, I fiddle with it too. Eh, the pipe, the blend, my mood, or the way the stars line up.
I'm glad you posted. We all need to consider what we do, examine what others do, and then just do what suits us for the moment. Heck, half the time I don't even remember packing the pipe, or even remember what blend I'm smoking. I could use a little nudge to pay more attention. Thanks!!