This is my point as well. I just don't see how the coil emits nearly enough heat to evaporate the nicotine. I also put my mouth directly on the coil to see hot hot it gets (Do not do this) but the heat is barely detectable.
Put your tongue directly into the air stream, draw slowly; there is definitely a sensation of heat. My guess is 140 deg f. Now draw air through the filer by itself. Cool air come through.