Honest question. How many relights in those 4 hours?
Well, I’m figuring a light every 5-10mins., so like maybe 7-10 an hour, give or take.
I smoke blends that have a fair amount of complexity, so I’ve never been one to try and keep the pipe lit.
I always only light a little, take some puffs and let it go out. On the occasion the blend doesn’t have bite and is mild, sometimes after lighting I’ll tamp a little to puff a little while longer, but only for a few minutes.
I also just need to take a break, and give my mouth a rest. I don’t find constant puffing enjoyable, and any blends I’ve smoked, the longer they stay lit, many of the complex nuances diminish so does the quality.
I believe high quality, complex blends are to be sipped and savored, with less flame, and only staying lit to sip and savor a few puffs.
If you smoke complex blends, try it like this next time, and you’ll notice more nuances in the blend to taste.
Even a high quality Straight VA, as an example can be complex, with a wide spectrum of flavors;
bread, hay, grass, floral, citrus, fruit like, raisins, graham, and many more...
P.S. If there was a secret to all of this, I believe allowing the pipe and tobacco to cool all the way down, and then relighting brings out the best in complex blends.