Welcome, Drigh!
Well, I think the vaporists would have something to say on these points....
1) "I don't have the money or willpower to save in comparison to buying weed right away"
Ok, that may make sense, but two things come to mind. One, vaporizers aren't nearly as expensive as you may think. Generally (as has been said before) people new or foreign to vaporizing think of the Volcano, or other $300+ units. I'd have to say that there's some good nee great options to be found within these pages. PD, LB, DBV, SSV....all well below the 'cano's price point and do the trick nicely. The second point is (also previously covered) that vaping is much more efficient than combustion. I used to burn an eighth in a week or so, perhaps as short as a weekend if a session ensued...when I switched to just using my PD (and the following 3 vapes) that same eighth lasts me 2-3 weeks, getting vaked more often. So, you'd actually save money in the long run (which most of us on here seem to spend on other vapes
)
2) "I have built an emotional relationship with smoking that I will lose if i switch to vaporizing"
True, as well, but I think 95% of us on here had/have that same relationship with combustion. It (vaping)'s a different feel, for sure, then blowing a huge cloud of smoke out...but I think the "pro's" to vaporization take precedence here. Less carcinogens, not coughing as much/at all, not nearly as smelly, better taste, and once again, efficiency. Personally, I feel that a vaped-high is a lot "cleaner" than a burned high...a better chance to see the quality of your herb. People have also spoken of not getting the drowsy high commonly associated with burning herb.
In short, you get used to it, and, there's some different options as far as vapes go. Some vapes can grant you massive clouds of vapor (with the correct lighting, of course). Granted, that cuts into efficiency a lot. Keep in mind that blowing visible vapor, or smoke, for that matter is thc that could've been ingested....Still, taking a huge vape-rip from my Ehle and SSV/DIY wand is a load of fun. I started out only vaping once in a while, and eventually worked my way up until I didn't combust at all anymore. I just realized that I'd weened myself from smoking to vapor, and while I won't pass up a bowl or J if I'm at a party or gig, that's mostly so I don't offend the offer.
3) Poor experience and/or bad word of mouth mixed with ignorance of vaporizers and the science behind vaporizing.
Well, that's what this site is here for, no? Had I not gotten a PD from a family member, I probably would've ended up getting some crappy Chinese knock off box-type vaporizer and probably not have gone vape-only. The other issue is that it can be hard to pick out the vape that's right for your usage. Unlike a new combustion piece (just add flame) each vaporizer style, much less model, has it's own pro's and con's.
We can't help make the decision for you personally as far as vapor v. smoke. Obviously, at this particular url, we prefer vaping. What this forum is great for is helping decide what kind of vaporizer you want. Most models have a thread for them, and have had a lot of issues cleared up. Find the unit that you like- read the thread- and you should be satisfied by whatever you get. I can't stress enough reading the thread of the unit first though. You'll pick up usage tips/tricks, maintenence issues, possible problems others are having...all great info when deciding to spend hard-earned-cash.
Sorry, long post, but I figured no one had really addressed these issues in depth. I'd thought along those same lines a year or so ago......
-w-