> cigarettes are self-limiting they literally hurt your throat and lungs

Eh ...

I didn't know many smokers who smoke < 1 pack per day. For those < 1 pack per day, it's mostly b/c they just haven't gotten there yet, but that's where they're headed.

Smokers aren't really going to change their smoking rituals either, just b/c their throat is a little sore or they're short of breath. They just switch to lights and/or menthol, or otherwise find a brand that doesn't punch them in the throat like Marlboro Reds do.

Going longer than usual without a smoke, generally means chain smoking 2 or more to catch up

Once addicted, it really takes a lot of hurt to self-limit. That means being literally sick, realistically.

Personally, I found vaping far easier to quit than cigarettes.