I have a small collection of 9 briar and 1 cob and smoke a bowl a day if the weather is cooperative.
For me pipes are like hats, I have to like the way it looks and how it fits (in hand) and that its somewhat traditional in styling similar to the Kaywoodies that my Dad smoked. I do have a problem justifying the cost of many of them but understand the time and materials involved are the reason versus mass produced ones.