This thread pops up with some frequency and I wanted to add a point that I haven't seen addressed before.
The present discussion relates to hard to find blends. But, I don't think the majority of folks are concerned that these blends aren't regularly in stock. Here's a sample from our most recent pipe club on what people were smoking and passing around: Half and Half, Warhorse Bar, Firestorm, 50/50 Amphora/Prince Albert, Dunhill Nightcap, Boswell's Northwoods, Argango Balkan Supreme, RLP-6, Presbyterian, GL Pease Penny Farthing, C&D Bijou, McClelland 5100, Pelican, Macbaren Burley, Tabac Manil Semois, GL Pease Maltese Falcon, SG Squadron Leader. Of these, only one is no longer manufactured and one is hard to find. And, the folks who brought these blends also have hard to find blends at home: original Balkan Sobranie, Motzek Strang, Esoterica.
Or, if one likes frustration, one can switch to looking for hard to find bourbons and the good times that come with that experience. ?