Keep us posted. I bought a full set of foreign pipes for the same reason a while back, knowing full well what I was getting, but since things worked out where I haven't been able to get to the chanter enough to learn how to really play, I'm glad I haven't spent a fortune--YET--on real pipes.

From what I know, I think you're facing the following:
* you'll need to season the bag
* you'll probably need a valve to stop backflow from the bag; the leather flap that came with mine didn't work, and it wouldn't hold any air at all.
* You may have to buy some drone reeds. Stick with the synthetic reeds all around if you can.

Roughness may affect overall timbre, but not pitch, so I wouldn't worry about the inside of the pipes. If the joints are loose, buy some waxed hemp to seal it up.

good luck! I wish Chicago was closer to Atlanta.