Well, I still have one lonely tortoise-shell flatpick. It is a great combination of a smooth, stiff feel with a crisp edge. But in truth, you're right: there are so many picks of such a variety of materials and gauges that one can get essentially the same benefits synthetically. I particularly like a recent acqusition called "Pick Boy" -- a translucent rainbow design of 1.20 mm thickness. Real smooth.

James.

P.S. -- All former posts are to be taken as attempts at humor.