I hear you!
I have one of the older model Maverick Redi-Chek's myself.. Mine has some kind of SS mesh around the probe-lines.
IDK about the ceramic sleeving for the probes as wicking. I would need to know who manufactures it, and the specs. I thoroughly researched the 3M XC-116 before I started using it. I use no other wicking material now. (Kiln-treated, of course..
) The best, durable, absorbent, and cleanest-tasting wick I've ever used.
You could always sleeve the top of your ceramic stick with yours, or around the top of a mesh wick in the ZAP if it doesn't fit in well . Lot's of folks are using it that way.
EDIT: OT, but since you mentioned BBQ... Some of the best I've eaten out, was right up the street from where my bar was in Beech Island. The guy had a block-pit in the ground with grates. He only did it one day a week, and sold the pulled-pork .... by the pound. You could also buy a pack of buns, and some equally good chicken.
There was always a line, and the man had the touch for sure..