I think though that like a lot of things, the quality of matches has gone downhill.
I agree! My wife thinks I'm obsessed with finding the right box of matches in town. Those popular green and blue tip matches spark like crazy and burn too hot and fast for my liking.
I have an Old Boy [Room 101] that does more than a decent job, but some pipes just deserve a lil' somethin' better. Cigar matches work well... you know, for those pipe smokers who drive Porsches and shovel caviar. There is still one grocery store in town that sells the ol' penny matches, and I prefer those when I can get them... ... Of course, I'm keeping an eye open, looking out for Swan Vestas; I would really like to try those sometime.