Ok, I've managed to read most of this thread. Here are my $.02 on this. In your first group of photos, your coils are too loose. Any resistance wire not snug on the wick, makes it taste like your vaping from a buick tailpipe. Snug up your coils, I remove the pin after making them and then give the coil a little twist to make it just a bit tighter
Another issue (not related to the burnt muffler taste) but make your coil loops closer together, your coil will last longer, and you will get a more consistent vape. It will vaporize more efficiently too!
Use Mr. Krinkles method, and you won't have ANY leaking anymore... trust me, I have been through it all.