How else would you interpret the data at: http://www.gallup.com/poll/105550/among-americans-smoking-decreases-income-increases.aspx
Every study of smoking rate vs. income shows that smokers have lower incomes than non-smokers. Certainly some high income individuals smoke, but they risk making a first impression that places them in the lower classes of society.
Smokers tend to have lower IQ than non-smokers. Again, an individual may smoke and be intelligent, but the statistics are against it. The individual who smokes puts himself in a group which is less intelligent than average.
I will say that the number of smokers have decreased thru the years. There is no doubt of that. Social pressure and cost are huge factors.
As far as polls, statistics and studies go, I put little credence in their findings. Most are manipulated to reflect certain outcomes.
Smoking is a convenient boogie man for a variety of ills and behavior. It is probably the most hated legal activity in history.
Is it a good habit...no. But “protected” classes get no such harrassment.