[troutbreath]

I would vote mold, simply because plume is more rare. But, I have seen MANY VSG's that have a "dusty" sheen to them like those in the photo. Nothing would suprise me with those sticks -- I had two which I quarantined a while back because I was suspicious. They never got any worse, so I cleaned 'em up and smoked 'em. A closer look would clear this up, no doubt.

Now I need to go check on my box of Tres Mystiqes.