Looks like a very good save, Robin. Good job!
However, I agree with Anthony, most of the time it is best to let go and start another blank. I don't even try to save the tubes at that time, I have extra tubes on hand. It is more economical in the long run.
Being in the insurance business, Anthony, I think you understand what 'self insured' means. When pricing pens I take into consideration that I will blow a blank once in a while. That is part of the cost of making pens. An extra dollar per blank covers shipping, insurance, and keeping them in inventory.
I don't always throw the damaged blanks away. I have a little box with bad blank PAIRS (if there is anything left of the bad one) that I might find a use for later. I can always use them for experimenting, or repair when I have the time. Some become one time use, or "sacrificial" bushings for some projects, or fillers when I am turning a single blank.
Daniel, I must be heavily involved in R&D myself, since I never make missteaks. [8D]