First, Welcome jambi!! Sit a spell and tell us about yourself. Great group of caring, sharing people here!
Second, yes, so many have no clue what is going on. Still! I see vapers at dog shows and try to say HI! Some are in the know, but most are oblivious.
Third, I think I am pretty well prepared. Lots of toppers, spare parts and mods, both external and internal battery ones. I know the internals will die, however, so I have mulits of externals I like. I, too, will continue to stock as deals are found. With the super high watt/low ohm fad, older models are often blown out at great prices. I am fine with them, they fill my needs. We use what works for us, our vaping style and lifestyle. I was never a "bleeding edge" kind of person and treat my vaping the same.