Over a year in vaping, I've occassionally tried clearomizers and gotten similar results as you: harsh vape, muted flavors, inconsistancy. The last couple that I bought just recently weren't too bad (Vision 3), but were only good for about a week. I would expect something for that price to last much longer than that.
I've heard of better results with the bottom coiled clearos such as the Kanger ProTank uses, plus its made of pyrex glass so it would be safe for all flavors of juice. Although I'm not a fan of its proprietary mouthpiece, there probably will be one in my future at some point.
What I've used almost exclusively for almost a year are pyrex cartotanks. I've gotten more flavor and consistancy with them than any string-wicked delivery device. The Vivi Nova's aren't bad, but you still need to tip them frequently to keep the wicks wet; not so with a cartotank. I was always fearful of using a Vivi Nova on a mod in a pocket for fear of it leaking or breaking; not so with a cartotank. I've never had one leak or come apart accidentally.
Here's a picture dictionary of the more common juice delivery devices I made for new vapors:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...k-what-primer-juice-delivery-attachments.html
If you find that article useful, I've written others on a cartotank setup tutorial, a list of vendors that sell pre-punched cartomizers, and a review of the popular and recommended pyrex tank IBTanked in my blog:
E-Cigarette Forum - Baditude - Blogs
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To view my photogallery of cartotanks and mods, click this link:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/members/baditude-albums-pictures-my-setup.html