It's not really a design flaw. You are not supposed to use it without the base when using the included bubbler. The extra silicone you added shouldn't be necessary, as the base has prints that are intended to create a seal. Obviously, the base is to be removed when you use the vista with a traditional rig, as the two vapor path tubes run down the body of the device to the 14/18 adapter.
I see what you mean how it is designed to work.
In effect it is NOT a "spillproff bubbler" although I can put it in case
transport to my bud's house and all is fine, no leaks.
But if you hold it in your hand and flip it a certain way the water
will spill into battery & short out.
I have good hands and developed a fine feathery touch to carefully
feather the top carb hole & bottom hole to "gently clear" & increase
a nice consistant vortex airflow.
Try it, it really streaches & cools hit even more & I feel like I'm driving
a race car game Grand Turismo , lolz.
I don't suggest this method for clutz or passing around, I always use
base for that. With your method for micro dabbing it's the Bomb!
Low heat, hit button, wait 4 -5 secs, feather lightly for 10-11 secs
hit buton twice, if you use just the right size size drop & stop heat cycle
at 15secs it is all set up for next hit at next heat setting (2 lights) which
is 90 degs hotter , so I repeat till 3rd light , usually will clean up bowl great.
Thanks for all the help, I LOVE THIS for my purpose its so economical &
convienent & medicates me so completely.
By lightly fingering the bottom 14mm hole alternating gently between the
carb hole actually built up more vaper & lowered the Temp under the low
temp setting, ig I do it properly I can take the 20sec with great taste ^
in effect a lower temp longer not hot at all hit.
PS (I put reclaim from carb cap on volcano steel liquid pad, vaped it , no more waste)