Well I guess it depends on what if your using regular atties with carts or cartomizers. The black tape on the cartomizers makes the diameter on the carto slightly thicker, therefore making a tighter draw with the cone on. In fact sometimes it is to tight to draw that's why I & some others have used a drill bit to expand the end of the cone to allow more airflow. Have read a post where someone put a small hole in the cone with a dremal for better airflow.
Yes. I read that too after I posted my opinion about function vs perception.
In light of that, I was wrong. I was basing by statement on regular attys.
It could be a design a flaw. I still say the purpose of the cone is cosmetic and ergonomic but they could have made the diameter a little larger on the small end except then it could be damaging to the lips if the edge were sticking up too much higher.