as far as the burnt taste is concerned, i've only experienced that when i didn't have the tank properly seated...making sure it's all the way down and "clicks" is imperative.
also, i haven't had any leaks as of yet, and i've been using cheap (dekang) juice exclusively, and have reused my tanks at least 10x each (therefore, the holes in them are now HUGE, due to replacing them on the atty at least 10x each).
however, i did read ahead of time that leaking is much less likely if you make sure your ego-t is lying *flat* whenever not in use...in other words, don't lay it down at an angle (such as one would with an analog in an ashtray), and don't put it in a pocket, purse, briefcase, etc. vertically.