So I was wondering -- why leeks ?

[Warpy]

11. Leeks have a milder flavor than other onions except shallots

I've cooked without shalltots for years, the flavor never justifies the high price for me. Leeks, on the other hand, are a staple chez Warpy. While I've done potato soup with onion, it's just not the same, I can taste the difference and I miss the leeks. If I ever have any left over, I braise them, they're a wonderful vegetable. I also use them in vegetarian stocks and sauces where subtlety is required.

Around here they come in bunches of 1-4, the one being a real baseball bat of a leek.