Cut a RP Edge Maddie Perfecto and couldn't get a draw. Cut another 1/4" and still no draw. Another 1/4" revealed 9 big old stems. Most of them snapped off when I tried to remove them, but I was still able to pull out these 3 smaller ones. Draw opened up beautifully, and I was able to smoke it down to the nub.
I recently got in 16 of these paired with Edge Corojos. So far the Corojos have been fine, but 2 out of 2 of the Perfectos have been full of stems.
Sometimes a stick draws fine with plenty of smoke, but tastes bitter. After digging around with my pliers, I'll find a nasty big old stem. After removal, the stick instantly turns from bitter to sweet.
Thankfully this is rare occurrence, but one reason why I keep my trusty pliers with me whenever I smoke.