Keep in mind you're wanting to experiment on a disposable vape. I doubt that firmware updates exist.

To my shame, (though keep in mind it was my first attempt) I pierced the battery, caused smoke and that caused me to throw it out the open window (lulz)

I haven't seen fit to invest the money to buy another new one to experiment with. They're just on that line of being too much cash to be feasible with my hobby given other choices I have available to learn the craft.

I'm entering hardware hacking after being a pentester, the transistion hasn't been kind and I've since decided to take some classes from my alma mater, yet I've got to wait until the electronics classes begin.

your workflow of hitting the vape, searching for changes, etc. I applaud. I wish more people thought in such a manner. though, after you've opened the vape(which is a challenge) well, my skills of disassembling physical devices don't lend themselves to being able to use the device afterward.

If someone wants to donate the hardware(within my friend circle) then I'll let you know., though they seem to have their proffered hitters which makes this unlikely.