I recently got a new bag and have been kicking myself ever since for fighting with the old one for so long. The death grip is loosening, my shoulders and arms are not hurting and my “flying off the chanter” fingers are flying off less often. I went from about 15 seconds to 55 seconds per note from one bag of air. While it is probably obvious to everybody else, I have just now realized that getting a new bag leads directly to piping nirvana.
-Dave
Same with bellows - try one by Michael Dow - just a great bellows.
My last bag was leaking so badly It was held together at the seams with gaffa tape.
The difference was incredible!
Yes, piping is not without its little joys. 
