Completely agree with you except that the purpose of my response was to at least try to get the OP to maybe think about stopping....there is a relatively short window until the nic starts to become a crutch...Sound advice, everything else being equal...
But realistically, if smoking is harm reduction from chew or dip, why would anyone start smoking if they didn't do one of those first? At least now, nicotine free is an option. How many people did Virgina Slim's hook as a diet aide? Is smoking cool? .... no.
Did anyone see the report about thecafeine related death in Australia? There are MANY dangerous things people do. Is it my job to stop them? No. Can I help them do something smarter and safer? I'd like to think so. Immidately discouraging someone because they aren't doing things exactly how or for the same reasons as me is pedantic and hypocritical. Also, take away that caffeine is just as powerful as nicotine. Both can kill.
Australian Man Dies After Drinking Caffeine-Laced Protein Shake | Balls.ie
If he continues then I'll be the first to help but don't have a go at me for at least trying to do the right thing....it comes across as a bit holier than thou actually