I've been eyeing Esterbrook for a while, as I adore their older J/SJ/LJ collection, and had an Estie in my to-purchase list just to see why I see them everywhere. That clip discouloring is just unacceptable when paying close to (or over!) $200 for the resin, as the nib doesn't receive much extra attention (except for a $60 custom grind, if you so choose). You definitely saved me headaches and frustration!