Sorry buddy, I'm straight.
It actually depends on the wood I guess. I'm kind of a wood snob, and I don't like to bother with most common woods. Also understand that in a stand like those I make, materials will be the smaller percentage of the final cost, it's the labor that adds up.
That being said I'm always willing to discuss it, but PM would be more appropriate.
Those are natural occlusions in the Maple Burl. Most woodworkers value them, as opposed to working around them. It's just an aesthetic choice, but I happen to really like them.