There are a few situations where the 'start in the middle' advice doesn't quite apply.

You're vaping in the cold. Cold air already cools the vapor, so tight airflow might feel fine—or even better—because it adds warmth. Open airflow in winter can feel too airy.

You're vaping in a hot, humid place. Heat and humidity can make vapor feel thicker. Open airflow helps here by adding more air, keeping things smooth.

You're using a higher-resistance cartridge. Some cartridges have more resistance built in, so even 'open' airflow might feel tight. If that's the case, you might need to adjust your draw speed rather than the airflow setting.

You're sharing the device. If you share, you'll need a middle ground that works for everyone. That's where adjustable airflow saves you—set it to a compromise and let each person tweak if needed.

In these cases, don't be afraid to go outside the 'start in the middle' rule. Let the conditions guide you.