If it were cheaper a competitor would have routed the market.
If lead is a hazard, why not try to come up with a reasonable substitute?
There is no substantive evidence that it is a hazard.
Yes and No. Lead will oxidize on its surface and become relative insoluble under most circumstances. However, if it is in an acetic environment it will become soluble and a hazard. This is why the old glazes using a lead oxides and mecury oxide pigments could cause heavy metal poisoning. A pitcher made of this with orange juice in it (acetic) would pose a danger.
Relative to the danger of lead weights in the environment, it is not a danger. This is a case of the government out of control that wishes to totally control us. This is not good.