Sorry to hear you're having so much trouble with your vos babalao, and for the record i have had my vos that i won from puffitup.com since march, been using it fairly frequently and my original lighter is still running fine. I've only put xikar and colibri in the lighter since then, so i guess that it is just chance as to whether you get a good lighter or not.
With that said, the way that i understood to insert the pawl is very different than what has recently been stated as the correct way, as i originally understood and have been doing, is to insert the pawl first, and then put the lighter on, making sure the pawl is going inside the groove thing on the lighter button. It is impossible for the pawl to fall out this way unless you take the lighter itself out.
As far as the vos goes itself, i really like it as it is the most convenient piece that i have. The build quality is really good, and it feels really sturdy while using it. Mine also has a little melty looking spot right where the lighter is from having the flame too low a couple of times, but it doesnt seem to affect the taste or anything. Instant vapor/smoke anytime anywhere, while being small and discrete. I really like the ashcatcher, it functions very well and noticeably reduces particulates being inhaled. I sold my mflb to a friend b/c i was in need of money, so this is my main portable now.
While i have been able to achieve pure vapor from this device, it has a much larger learning curve than any other vape i've used. You have to stir it every hit or else it will likely scorch the material. I use the long screen to cover the flame intake holes, and a cut down screen in the bottom of the bowl, so it just fits the small hole at the bottom. This enables you to use more material in one load, because optimally you want your material level below the flame intake holes to minimize the chance of scorching. if you use the full round screen on the bottom, you really cant fit much in there and still be below the intake holes.
Although i have been able to achieve pure vaporization this way, its too much hassle for regular use, and as i still smoke on occasion, ive been using the "sub combustion" feature on this much more than vaping. None of my friends can vape with it, they always scorch the load anyways so i use it as my out and about pipe to get a quick hit. It is much more efficient than any other combustion piece, and really nice to use one handed while driving. And, it gives the BIGGEST hits. All my friends that use it are blown away by how hard it hits when using it for smoking. I dont mind that its harder to vape with than my other vapes because i got it for free, but i can see how someone would be frustrated if they purchased it to vape with as it isnt the easiest or most consistent device for that purpose.
Where it really shines is concentrates, instant huge clouds of vapor! ive just been stacking a couple screens and putting a drop or two of bho in it and am very pleased with its function for this purpose. Probably the best portable device for concentrates for sure. I am highly considering getting the atomizer to make it work even better with concentrates.
If you want a good portable vape to only vape your herbs with, i wouldn't be able to recommend the vos as strongly as say, the mflb, but if you're into concentrates i would highly recommend it, as it really shines in that area, and can still be used to vape herbs with some practice. Overall though i really like this thing! I havent vaped with it in a while so ill have to try it again soon and let you guys know how it goes. Happy vaping!