I think one of the big outfits did some serious market research and found out that pipe smokers as a customer base didn't want to commit to a 16, 14, or 12 ounce tub, but would buy a 7 ounce tin and were willing to pay more per ounce if they could pay less for the tin. I've noticed this in the last six months or so, and it seems to be general. Capt. Black has been doing that for a few years, as has Seattle Pipe Club, although SPC never sold tubs that I know of.