Well, I want to say thank you for this thread and discussion. There is certainly a lot to think about. Obviously, someone who doesn't have the equipment and knowledge should not be building. I do think we all start at a certain level and there is most definitely a lot to learn. I have caught myself several times getting ready to say something that I realize I shouldn't say based on the original post. It's hard for me sometimes because I am very comfortable with electricity and batteries and the "tools of the trade". I'm very glad I read through this thread because not everyone has been building computers since the 80's and not everyone built a heathkit oscilloscope for home use back in middle school.
I think ultimately, we as a community need to hold ourselves to a level of responsibility in what we suggest to others. If someone shows that they have the knowledge and common sense to handle rebuilding, then I think it is fine to help them, but I also think that progression in vapor production and taste is important. If someone starts with a setup that is more than they can handle in either invested time, money, or vapor, it will turn them off or worse, get them hurt. If someone starts out and ends up smoking a few cigarettes, it isn't the end of the world. If they need to move on to something that produces more vapor/throat hit/taste, that is the natural progression of their vaping experience. I think more than anything, we need to as a community show support and help people work through the issues that they have. For the most part, I think ECF members do an absolutely wonderful job of supporting others.
Vaping is becoming much bigger and there are many more converting every day. Please don't forget that we all have to start somewhere, and that place is different for every person. I truly think that it is just prudent to find out where someone is at with their knowledge level and start there. It simply doesn't make sense to say this is where they will end up, so start there. Every piece of equipment I have has taught me something, from a cig-a-like to a protank to a vamo to an rsst and on and on.
I think we can all agree that if someone is ready to quit smoking, along with the tools comes support. Everyone needs to figure out where they want to be and what they need to not smoke. It that is an ego or a mech, they need to figure that out for themselves in a logical progression that keeps them safe and keeps them off the smokes. I've seen several posts where people have made a coil and posted a picture asking how many ohms it is. This is isn't safe and if we keep recommending advanced equipment to BEGINNERS, someone will eventually hurt themselves or others.
On a lighter note, to the person who said we should ask what happens when you piss on a live electric fence -- well, here is the story. When I was 5 or 6, I didn't notice a live wire running along the border of a neighbors property. This was in the woods and I really had to go. Well, with very unlucky aim, I found out that not only is it excruciatingly painful, you can't move and there is no way to stop until your bladder is 100% completely empty. The sound that comes out of your mouth after you are finished is just a pure exhale and nothing else. It truly does make you more observant of your surroundings.
Just my 2 cents