Missed this post... been looking for a place just to vent my opinion... so here goes.
Part of running a business is not only about coming up with a new product, but also in the marketing and efficiency of your business model. Just about anything can be made at a price, and everyone's perfect Ecig can be made. However, the cost efficiency of coming out with that product makes things not feasible.
When a company comes out with a mod or atomizer, they've done the research into the mechanics, and came out with a finished product. They then hire out someone to make the mod for them, and the end result is a $200 mod/atomizer that they designed. Their designing and engineering skills may have been exellent, but their business model is rather poor. On the other side of the world, there is a place that has plenty of manufacturing capabilities, but their engineering traits aren't as strong as someone here in the states. They can produce things cheaply since their business model is churning out affordable mods/atomizers.
So, is it moral or ethical to support a poor business model? If I came out with a car that does 60 miles per gallon, has comfortable seats, navigation that would be updated every minute, awesome acceleration, etc.. the perfect economy car... but... since I am a small business man, I have to charge $100,000 for the car. Ford comes out with their version...which gets 55 miles per gallon, has comfortable seats, navigation that would be updated ever five minutes, great acceleration, etc..... But they have the factories and infrastructure setup to be able to offer that car for $15,000. Guess which one I'm going to buy...the Ford. would it be ethical for the small company to sue Ford for making a product that people CAN afford?
That's what's happening here... the companies in China has the industrial capacity to make things cheaper. Instead of viewing them as a barrier, has anyone even thought of using them as an Asset? If they're worried about their Quality control, then have them manufacture the parts, and then YOU do the Quality control. Sueing someone for having a better manufacturing process doesn't sound ethical.
I personally like to support original mod makers. However, I have a choice to either give $200 to a mod maker or spend $30 for the mod, and spend the $170 for my 7 yr old's birthday. Which do you think I'd support more? I think they're just trying to sue other people... all because their business practice isn't as efficient as someone elses. Besides.. the money they spent on the lawyers could have been spent in lowering the price. That money could've been spent on new CNC machines, software upgrades, or other ways to streamline the process. Instead of spending their profits to lower the price, they spend it on trying to get more money.... not very ethical.
anyways, Just my

worth.