Very interesting.
If I think back I had a bond with my cigarettes that bond has been replaced with a bond with my vape gear. At least it is a healthier relationship
Agreed. Cigarettes helped me through many a tough time and I take refuge in a relaxing vape much the same. I know I love my gear much more than any box of smokes I ever bought. There's just something about optimising and personalising things that garners that bond that you speak of. When I get my setup to work perfectly I enjoy that satisfaction much more than anything I got from lighting up a cigarette. The cig didn't have any association to me other than me owning it.
Yes vaping could cost more than smoking, but once you settle in and you know what you like then it becomes satisfying. I enjoy vaping much more than smoking for sure and it fits perfectly for me. It stimulates the technical side as well and I have learned more from it than from smoking.