Excellent article.
A must read for anyone who is enthusiastic about this hobby.
My 2 cents:
I have come up with a theory that has worked well for me so far.
The briar, how it is cured, thickness, drilling, and bowl shape all affect the temperature and speed at which the tobacco burns. By testing with my favorite tobacco, I have rated my collection in this manner. Not a perfect science, but it works for me.
I smoke tobaccos that need more heat in bowls that like to stay hotter, aromatics in medium bowls etc. This has worked very well for me and I seem to get the best flavor when I use the optimal pipe for each different tobacco.
Brand has very little to do with it, other than issues of consistency or artistic flair, I really do not discriminate.
For many, a pipe is about art and expression just as much as its smoking qualities.