The Kraken is a highly regarded genesis atomizer, many people love them!
If you haven't tried a gennie in the past, it may not be the simplest one to start with. I'd recommend picking up a Smok RSST (pyrex or plastic, but I'd stick with the single coil). They can be found online for super cheap (there was a thread talking about places selling them for as low as $5), and have a few characteristics that make them easier to build (insulated wick hole, lots of room to work with under the cap, etc). They're cheap enough that you don't have to feel worried about playing around with drilling out the air intake etc as well.
I use gennies exclusively at this point and have for the last year or so. Though I've picked up other ones to try (not the kraken yet though) I still go back and use my pyrex RSST on a regular basis.
I too was thrilled to see a Genesis subforum started up, feel free to peruse the threads in this section to get a better idea of what gennies are all about.
When it comes to using something other than mesh in a genesis, I kind of see it being like towing a boat with a corvette. Yes the power is there and it will move your boat, but you're not getting the full enjoyment you could be out of the product by using it as intended.
Lastly, as always, to each their own. If you want to buy a gennie and fill it with cotton you can certainly do that and may get a vape you enjoy, the important thing is that you find what you like best and what keeps you away from burning tobacco. People can offer their experience and their recommendations for what works for them, but that doesn't mean doing it a different way is wrong.
