I wonder if clenching is part of the problem. I seldom clench, but when I do there's more likely to develop a gurgle. Most of the time, no gurgle, even with tobacco that's had no drying time, including flakes. Often when I take the pipe out of my mouth, I'll hold it at a 45%+ angle for a moment, which probably runs moisture back into the bowl, where it evaporates from the heat.