Complaints like this seem to rise and fall like tides on this forum. Logic rarely works in these cases, but props to you patient souls for attempting it anyway.
I use an SSV as well, and a given ammount of herb goes MUCH farther in the MFLB. As noted above though, the SSV is capable of giving a hotter hit, which is more visible and more similar to smoking, but exactly not what many medical/health conscious users want. I like to dial my SSV very low, to also produce close to "invisible" vapors. This provides the best taste and the clearest effect. Its is not very similar to smoking though, and will not satisfy someone looking for an electronic bonghit.
The MFLB works exactly as advertised. So does the SSV. So does the iOlite. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. My only complaint with the MFLB is that the batteries are spotty, but you'll see from my above posts that I bought some crappy ones. In other words, my fault, not the Box's. After using the c9000, all my LB-supplied batteries are now running perfectly again. I'd almost say the c9000 (or similar) is mandatory for a serious user. Some complain about the price, but I found it on ebay for less than $50 new, making the whole kit $160... much less than an SSV and still less than an iolite. So its still the best value out there, and hands down the stealthiest portable. As mentioned already, the MFLB was never intended to be a primary unit, and it is just testament to its effectiveness that it serves as one for so many. In fact, I often favor it over my SSV - largely because of the no waiting for warmup, and I can grab it and take it around the house instead of being tethered by the power cord. As you get used to the subtle art of vaping, you'll realize that it often takes 10 minutes to know if you want to boost or not. Having the MFLB in the pocket for a boost is a really nice option, better than sitting by the SSV.
The battery heat issue is no longer a problem with the push-back rings. Its is physically impossible for the battery to heat up unintentionally. The SSV, on the other hand, sits there for hours if you let it, being way hotter than the MFLB can ever get. Its far more of a hazard in my mind.
It certainly sounds like you either have a defective unit or you are unwilling to learn the technique. I simply don't believe that my wonderfully positive MFLB experience, as well as the many others on here, are the exceptions to the truth that this thing is a "ripoff". I find it one of the best purchases I have ever made.
As for the forum being biased, who knows. The discussion in this thread about the MFLB has been extremely balanced and accurate and very useful for learning to use this admittedly unique device. The exception are the occasional people who come in here with some bizarre axe to grind. I tend to assume they are shills for Mega-Vape Company.