Well, I can answer two of these...
Quote Originally Posted by King Henry V View Post
The demise of style, panache, wit and elegance in favour of the tyranny of the vulgaroisie
Because style, panache and elegance are all very arrogant traits. That's not to say the "vulgaroisie" aren't arrogant either. Frankly, I dislike both styles; I prefer the W. C. Fields/Kurt Vonnegut style of unpleasant yet sharp wit and a rejection of all forms of swagger, be they vulgar or stylish. And, like Ronnie Van Zant said, "be a simple kind of man."
Quote Originally Posted by King Henry V View Post
Why more people don't smoke pipes.
I smoke a pipe.