Installing a Wood Burning fireplace insert

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I know the recommendation for installing a wood burning fireplace insert into a masonary chimney is to use 6 inch single wall stainless stove pipe. This will be cleaner, hotter, and prevent the need to remove the insert when the chimney is cleaned. However, considering the cost of the piping is $500 or more to have it done professionally (I was quoted $100 per foot and I have a high ceiling), is there a way for a do-it-yourselfer to save money? Are there any good suppliers that can save money, and how do you go about installing it? Do you run the pipe first and then push the insert in? or vice versa?

Also, does it really matter to run a pipe all the way up, or just a foot to the damper? I am debating this with my wife. She only sees the additional $50 per year to pull the insert out when cleaning the chimney. Will the draft be improved much, and will this significantly impact a fire when using piping to the top? Is there any studies that show the difference between creosote buildup with an open masonary fireplace before a conversion to a pipe (or lack of a pipe). I really appreciate your answers.