Why can't Missouri Meerschaum include stronger stems on their cobs?

[peter cornbriar]

MM has just recently introduced strong acrylic stems on a 2 or 3 of their pipes- at about double the price. How hard would it be to put strong acrylic stems on most of their pipes? Those cheap plastic stems get crimped so easily.
I figure, adding a $3-4 upcharge to the price and by using identically shaped stems, would not break their bank. Or how about this: Provide an option to choose strong acrylic stems with most cobs at an upcharge, but not doubling the cost of the pipe?
Thoughts?
Peter

 

[Bluecow]

Vermont Free hand. Just a standard stem in black, Lucite, $18.00. Sadly, I think your $3-4 upcharge is a ...... wait for it...... Pipe Dream

 

[peter cornbriar]

Oh that's precious, Bluecow... 😜

 

[Bluecow]

Oh that's precious, Bluecow... 😜

Thank I was wondering if you would take offence. I'm just too stupid to shut up.

 

[Gaius Marius]

Dohohohoho
That was terrible and what's more terrible is that I laughed at it.

I sincerely wish MM cobs had the option for nicer stems. I love a cob but I really dislike plastic stems and I think it would be much better to have something like vulcanite or some other material.
I think it'd be real cool if somebody who works with stone could make stems out of a soft rock like soapstone.
Stem material is definitely something I think many a pipe manufacturer could and should do some experiments with.

Get yourself a pack of 50 small softy pipe bits for a few bucks off of Amazon. They go on the end of the stem like a foreskin and prevent you from messing up the stem with your teeth. Also make for a better experience in general.