Interested to read the rather puritanical comments of the non-smoking VRM membership...
Personally I rather like the idea of my heroes ignoring their critics and the Nanny State and doing just whatever they like (and to excess, if it suits them too!). BF would only go up in my estimation if they announced that he breakfasted in mid-afternoon and with a couple of glasses of vintage port included!
Makes me wonder how much effect "subliminal advertising" has on our lifestyles. Back in the mid 70s (I'd have been 14 or 15 years old) I had a poster on my wall of BF sitting in a high-backed chair and smoking a Gitanes (the rest of the iconic blue packet was also in shot...). Coincidentally (or not?) this has been my preferred brand for much of my life.
Although I love most things French (despite their inability or unwillingness to cook a steak properly!) and strong flavours in all things (food & drink, as well as cigarettes), I wonder if BF's influence has been with me for longer than I realised?
Of course, the fact that none of you pays to listen to me sing makes a difference! I'd probably sound like Serge Gainsbourg with a hangover...