I just did a calculation today...my collection of 30 odd pipes (cobs and all) bought over the past 2 year's cost €1400 - €1500 approx, most were bought with 20-70% off recommended retail price, my 'mid-range pipes' (bought for about €100) do not - in general - smoke any better than my low grades. My silver spigot Pete I paid €75 for retails on
http://www.alpascia.com for €310, it smokes too hot. My big ben budget is varnished has a huge draft hole, shit grain, removed metal filter, loads of pits and smokes like a beauty.
I think most of Jess's pipes will smoke like a dream, but I also know it is possible to pay $1500 for any pipe from any great pipe maker and it will not be a good smoker, the chances are small but they are there. Luckily I don't like most of those danish half bent style designs he does so much of.