I totally agree, The top of the line of my rotation is a $60 pipe. I don't think you should have to spend a ton of money to enjoy pipe smoking. I find myself smoking my MM cobs more than my other pipes, go figure they only cost $4 something a piece. The other day I was picking up a pouch of PA at the local discount tobacco store, I saw they had a broke maple wood pipe. I asked the girl how much they wanted for it, she said .35. I thought what the hell so I bought it. I got it home and split the end of the wood shank a tiny bit with a sharp chisel and wedged a piece of splintered hard wood it and stuck it back in the pipe. TA DAH fixed the cheapest pipe I ever bought. Tried it out yesterday and it smokes decent. It has a rather small bowl, but will be great for short smokes. Guess it all depends on what you like and are willing to try.
P.S. Phl if you dye your mouth please post pics.