And the discussion continues between those who view a pipe entirely as a tool for delivering nicotine and those who also enjoy pipes as items of craftsmanship.
If all one is looking for is a nicotine delivery service, then a cob is all one needs. I wouldn't understand anyone who professed to believe a pipe to be no more than a tool who spent more than $10 on a cob. What would be the point.
As for me, I have a few unsmoked pipes that I happily enjoy as vintage or antique objects of fine craftsmanship and have no intention of smoking, and the vast majority I smoke.