Indeed. In 2001 I made my Aluminum Lemon Block and then later I made a copper version in 2002 and it still is my top block by my testing (excluding the R-Type and Lumpy channel block being I didn't test those on my best bench.)
Ever since I made that block I knew pins were a good way to go. As said I do not think to many professionals were in the game at the time either and as stated still are not being there really isn't much demand for it.