LDD, I changed the original pipe because of feedback I received from folks on the Pipe Makers Forum loose the plateaux, make it sleeker, cut down the size, and re-bend the stem. I thought it over and decided in this case that their comments and advice was sound.
As far as pipe dynamics, dimensions etc. their are very specific rules. A billiard being a classic example of those pipe dynamics. An Apple, A Brandy. A cutty and on and on it goes.
I follow the rules to learn HOW to make a good billiard to the point that it will be a good billiard according to what a billiard should look like and then let it become a natural process that you can do blindfold.
The first iteration of this pipe IMHO was fine too. I like Dublin's and have several. A few huge ones with big plateaux rims.
All pipes, even Freehands have to have symmetry. Not lopsided or asymmetrical.
I'm learning too look with my eyes and 'see'.
People on the PMF make comments and I think to myself, "Where the fuck did that come from? Why didn't I see it when I was trying to see?
But that's how we learn, oi?
Well it's how I learn.
Once you can do the HOW down to an art, you can then do your own gig but still fall within the guide lines.
I mean, you can put a stem on anything and call it a billiard. You can then post it on the PMF forum and proclaim, 'Look at my awesome billiard!!!"
Then it starts.
Members will attempt to give some guidelines even going so far as to take the picture you posted and draw 'correction' lines on it to help you LEARN.
And you can adamantly refuse to accept advice even going so far as to argue, argue, argue that you are right and all of thems (misspelled on purpose) is wrong until a certain member will loose his cool, calm, polite demeanor and blow his/her lid and tear you a new ventilation system.
I've always thought that being able to breath through a secondary system could, at times, be very useful.
Anyway, WTF was I talking about?
I'm just a broken down old guy, pretend, amateur hobby pipe maker.
Now that I've blown smoke up your ass for the length of this missive: I'm going to go and have my afternoon nap.
Happy puffing!