Everyone has their pet peeves, I guess. I don't have a smok mod mainly because I don't sub0hm and they have had a reputation for SOME issues. I think it was worst right before deeming (the first one) it seemed like everything was failing and etc.
I think some of the newer smok offerings are getting slightly better reviews. But, many of the folks buying them are cloud chasers, looking for something new and exciting and etc. I don't think they're exactly built for durability, it's the "potential to blow up" part that worries me most. They are ubiquitously everywhere, for sure, but the vaping market is large and wide.
I feel similarly about Kangertech, I probably wouldn't buy another one, but that's not because they're necessarily a bad product. I seem to be able to break KT products by looking at them, so I figure I'll leave them for the folks who really like/want them.
But, it's something you have decide for oneself. I have a few favorite manufactures, like Teslacigs, but Teslacigs aren't for everyone. My only real DNA mod is a Steamtuners mod, and it just looks... well, I like it but not everyone wants a quarter circle brown leather mod with brass fittings all over it, however it vapes and etc. LOL.
Anna