opening up a pipe

I had an estate pipe that was a mediocre smoker. I sent it out to be cleaned and opened.

The pipe smokes better (fewer relights, more smoke etc.) but I still wouldn't consider it a great smoking pipe. The pipe tobacco still doesn't taste right.

IMHO opening the pipe helps alot with the mechanical aspects of smoking but not as much if the problem is more in the flavor (though I think it helps some).

You're right when you say that you have nothing to loose. Regardles of what happens it will be a learning experience. Keep us posted if you decide to do it.