Not Happy with Pilot anymore

Well, I've given up on the Pilot Hi-Tec-C line. Both the slim knock and the regular Hi-Tec-C have lost the little ball in the tip, making them useless. I wasn't finished with either pen, as well. I've gone back to the Uni-Ball Signo RT Gel, which started up flawlessly after 9 month's of sitting in a cup, and continues to start up instantly and leave a opaque black line behind.