So, I just put in the same amount I'd put in my all-glass Nano GonG (don't know how much exactly, but it's a very small amount) into the Ascent, didn't pack it down whatsoever, didn't use a spacer, no cotton, nothing. Put it at 375, took 3 rips that produced decent clouds (not MONSTER clouds, but that's not what I'm about) that were all the same size. I then turned it off, looked at what I had left and there's still some that could go through another 375.
Now, I'm a lightweight, so that's all I need. More than I need, really. I'm not finding it to be all that bad of an herb hog. It's no log vape, but... at this point, I'm satisfied.
Also, there is no material stuck to the top glass screen. Maybe my weak, small lungs are an advantage here? Other than that, I don't know what I'm doing differently...
My Ascent is on its second day's worth of battery as well. And still warming up damn fast.
I am in love with this thing. Excpet for how stinky it is. Carrying it around in my backback, I can smell it worse than I ever did my DV or my MFLB. Might need one of those "Stink Bags."
Love the way the material looks after running it through at 430...
Also, word of advice: don't leave it on and then put it in your pocket and forget about it - they'll smell you coming a mile away!
EDIT: Okay, there are a few crumbs stuck to the glass, but nothing that's an issue, since I haven't cleaned it in a day and a half and none of the holes have anything stuck in them.
Don't like how much it continues to cook after you shut it down. It really keeps making vapor for longer than I'd like.