I didn't read the whole thread but for your issue with cartidges with atomizer feeling dry, I discovered yesterday that priming the atomizer with a drop of liquid straight onto the bridge when you refill the cartridge makes a huge difference in cartridge life. Without priming, your only other option to get wicking going is to flood the cartridge (and get liguid in your mouth). I had several flavors that I couldnt taste well and just wouldnt vape well (especially the thicker ones) and after trying this (on my third day vaping), I have to say they tasted so good and I got such good vapor that I couldn't resist vaping almost constantly and nearly Od'd on nicotine! lol, I have to drop down to 18mg now! It makes sense in that there is a slow flow of liquid from the cart to atomizer, and if there is not enough liguid near the bridge, what is there is simply vaporized and replaced with air instead of more liquid, so you get a few good puffs and then it tastes like ....!