I feel for all of you that have a difficult time, and or the loved ones you are trying to convert.
There are a few thing I have to say on this...
1. The learning curve is different for everyone.
2. The pg/vg ratio is different for everyone.
3. The comfortable nic level is different for everyone.
4. When they really get the hang of it THEN sometimes you have to increase the nic (a little at a time) to fit their addiction level.
5. If they are having a hard time of it and REALLY I mean REALLY love cigs+ don't care about health/ don't care about saving money/ or any of the bennies, then.... (and I am really sorry to say this but) It just wont work for them.
They have to care enough and want to quit cigs/ or switch to a better alternative; to try and learn how to use the pv.
I have seen all sides. For me it was easy, I got the hang of it within 30 min. My DH took about a day. Our friend STILL (Its been 2.5 weeks, different juices pg/vg lvls, and nic) cannot use our PV right, still coughs, doesn't care or want a pv at all. And only bums the pv for a drag or 2 when out of cigs. As harsh as it is for him (and completely unenjoyable) he craves MORE nic. He has said that he flat out does not want to switch and expects to die young. Okay... I am not one to push. To each his own. DH's father has tried ours and still coughs, however he is willing to try. He wants to get his own PV in January and not buy smokes anymore. He is the type class that is willing to try for the health/ more over the $$$ saving bennies.
So it really depends on a lot of factors. If you are willing to hand in there and hold there hand through the process it could be very bennificial. That what I do for all who are interested. When they really gave it a good try and don't like it, I let go. *hugs*
BTW my first couple of drags/pulls of the day still give my throat/ lungs a slight tikkle.