Oiling winds

[Jim McGill <jim@elseware.com>]

Another forum that I follow (Bagpipes) has been having a lively discussion 
of the merits of oiling wind instruments.  My understanding was that one was 
much better off using Almond Oil (or some other polymerizing oil) than Bore 
Oil  or other mineral oils, which never dry.  I know this is true in the 
salad bowl and cutting board making part of wood working because mineral 
oils attract crud and give the item a grimy look, whereas Walnut Oil (often 
the oil of choice) dries and gives a clean looking finish.  Related to this, 
is the oil of any real utility, or is it purely aesthetic?  I know my pipes 
"sound brighter" after oiling, but is there any objective truth to my 
perception (or is this another case of the "I put a lot of effort into this, 
of course it's better" phenomena?)
Jim