Wow, this is the first review I've ever hear the term "bass draped" used.
I used to have a DSE103 and gave it away. I had moved on to other models that fit my needs better. The recipient used it for months and loved it. I got it to replace a DSE306A which was the size of a cigarette and had a 45-60 minute battery life. The battery on the DSE103 is wonderful right out of the box. Easily longer than a 901. As for vapor, when you first start you say, "where's the vapor?" After a few seconds it heats up and really, truly delivers. A great little device. I used it mainly for direct dripping because the carts don't hold a lot. That worked best for me. It's about the size of a 100 cigarette but thicker and heavier (due to the decent battery). I won't go back to it, but it was a wonderful little device and great for the light smoker who doesn't want to spend a lot of money.
It's a solid machine. The reason your atomizer never died is because it's just a big chunk of metal. Probably the most sturdy little atomizer around. You could whack it with a hammer (don't!) and it would probably still work.
Great review and great product. You can probably pick up a kit from China for $30 bucks. Before you buy a SE, get five DSE103 kits instead!
--Prof Daffy
P.S. I think mine came from bestecig. I'm surprised they haven't gone completely out of fashion, but I'm glad they're still around.