Never tried them, myself, beyond being handed a few over the years. Had a pipe for long enough to go through a few bags of tobacco. I've got an addictive personality, so I appreciated that there was a lengthy ritual just to get started. Also, I liked the feeling of the warmth in my hand, and that it smelled amazing. I don't get that from cigars, they smell terrible.

Apparently, though, you can figure out pipes well enough to just have no trouble. I've known a few old men that always seemed to have one going.