It's easy to assume that because one person can do an experimental piercing safely, that everyone else can, too. What may seem workable initially may not work long-term. He no longer does them specifically because of the long term problems. Many areas of the country are seeing more regulation and legal problems because someone tried something beyond his skills and knowledge. The state of Kansas recently passed regulations on tattooing AND piercing as a direct result of complaints against one bad tattooist.
Many artists think a waiver is their safety net.
But a waiver is meaningless in court. I've already seen piercers lose lawsuits for botched piercings. I'm not willing to pay that price just to call myself an innovator. We've had people from as far away as North Dakota and Texas come to Kansas City specifically for a piercing. That's serious loyalty, and I'm very proud and appreciative that my work is thought of so highly.