Well, everyone is different, so its hard to say, but chances are you will feel nic withdrawals if you stop smoking and don't have nic in the juice. You may not, but the vast majority would. See how it goes, and I'm sure you know what nic withdrawals feel like, but you may wish to get some juice that has nic.
As for craving less nic after starting vaping, that is also hard to say. The nic is absorbed less efficiently with vaping than smoking, and depending on the juice, might be much less than from smoking, say, 1 PAD. I do know that an excellent flavor can go a long way towards making me forget to need nicotine, but for me the cravings will eventually catch up, so I vape juice with nic. How much? Depends, but anywhere from 12 mg to 36 mg, depending on the need.
Nicotine is indeed the most important additive in my juices. If I didn't crave it, I would likely not be vaping. Some of us also use nicotine medicinally, for nerve illnesses, depression, etc. I myself have a nerve illness that creates a lot of fundamental nerve pain, and nic is well known as a pain treatment for this. So interestingly, and in answering multiple questions here, sometimes the flavor I make is so good, and the vape is so satisfying, that I will forget to keep the nic up enough, and start getting pain before the classic withdrawal symptoms start to really set in. Happened this week, actually.
So that's my situation, but as I said everyone is different. Some smoked 3 PAD and are fine with very low nic juice, or no nic (much less common though). Some smoked a few light cigs a day, but really enjoy higher nic juices. There really is no set correlation, and I would say pay attention to your body and mind and proceed on the process in the best way for YOU. Some here never completely stop smoking, although the vast majority cut down a LOT, some need more than nic, and so use snus instead or along with vaping. Some need/want high nic, some very low. The key is to stay happy, healthy and hopefully with as few withdrawal problems as possible. Vaping is meant to be a smoking alternative, NOT a cessation method. Many do quit, many don't. I think it is likely you will crave nic, but then you might not. Just enjoy the experience and do what feels right for you. Comparisons to others belie the complexities of the smoking habit/addiction.
