My experience with higher end Savenelli pipes has been good. These have been mostly gifts, and I have found them to be carefully produced and extra smooth smokers. On the other hand, I have some artisan pipes that I treasure -- a Ferndown from a Forums member, a Bob Hayes with a bamboo shank, and a whole set of highly distinctive Jerry Perry pipes including several in Mountain Laurel and one in Cocobolo, and some fine briars as well. I really think you have to consider them one pipe at a time. If you are tending toward buying mostly artisanal pipes, perhaps you should forego the Sav to start this new direction. On the other hand, if the Sav speaks to you, it may be worth delaying this change. Factory pipes can have plenty of artisanal craft involved, and some of the higher end pipes in some brands are handmade. Pipe by pipe is the way to go.
