No not at all, that is only a problem when you are using a session conduction based device like Mighty or Pax or Arizer that is constantly cooking your herbs creating the vapor for you... Not at all a concern with a log, the vapor is on demand, created only when you are inhaling, pure convection.
For example, you would plug the log in, turn on at a certain voltage level say 12v and after 10 minutes it is good to go and can be left on 24/7, you then would be using a glass stem as both your vapor path and chamber, it has a basket screen inside it, you can suck up some herbs like a straw, into the basket, then do the same thing but putting it over the log so you are then inhaling air through the log to be heated and then go through the herbs in the basket screen in the glass stem to create the vapor as you inhale (this is pure convection) alternatively, my preference for using these, is to use the WPA glass on glass style stem, where the other end of the glass straw is tapered to fit into a glass bong bubbler or J hook type thing, that way you load the little glass stem like it is a tiny bowl for smoking, except the log itself is your lighter, you turn it upside down and sit it on top of your bowl and same thing inhale the air through to create the vapor. Specifically for the HI, there is a wide variety of different materials for stems, steel /glass /wood /even paper!
The reason the MFLB has minimal smell is because it is on demand, so that aspect is the same, however the HI should smell even less, being pure convection, the MFLB is on demand pure conduction, and super antiquated design imo if you're not plugging it into the wall it's not worth getting at all and I don't think it's worth getting today at all regardless unless you're interested in collecting old vapes for fun?
The log is going to be much more powerful, should be better flavor and efficiency, I think less technique really once you realize how to take the deep inhale breaths, it is not like smoking since you have to create the vapor by inhaling the air through the herbs, but once you get the hang of it it will be simple and easy to share with others too... When you are using a vape like this, after you take a hit, the vapor will smell in the area for a few minutes, it will quickly dissipate, you don't really have to worry about it, regardless of the rules, in California, you really don't need to worry, I ignore any of those things when I see them in leases because I am vaping in Cali!
You're mistaken, the wait list is only for custom orders, you are emailing Alan to inquire what he has in stock to sell you now ready made, one of those options should be the bamboo units which are the cheapest as I said. He also has square and round models in basic woods, domestic woods that are already made, the waitlist is more for custom exotic wood builds... And there is no wait list for stems, it's basically made to order for them. Might not be instant quick turnaround, but if you email him and start talking to him, he can tell you more info and tips, get you set up with the best thing for you, I really think you can't do better than this for your needs!
Yes underdog is great, e-nano is also using similar design, these are log vapes, there are a lot of other options, but they are going to be more money, HI is available to get the cheapest this way, not only that Alan is great and has a lot of attention to detail, very pure materials and he has a lot of great tips, he can even give you specific accessories to help minimize the smell (essential oils and aromatherapy type stuff too)