Sorry couldn't resist, although i recognise I risk extending the debate
I wasn't too happy when the switch to foams happened. I held out as long as possible, but succumbed in the end. I now have very mixed feelings about the thought of being forced to go back to pins. I also honestly found it very easy to buy them once I found out what they were called.
My own experience has been they have really saved me a lot of money. Ran the first set on the b44 since foams kicked off. Whats that, nearly a year? I only swapped them last week. Only used one additive stick in that time too. Never chunked or had to repair (touch wood).
Anyway, just thought i would share my experience.