I am not saying that he is any less of a **** for putting it the way he did - but in part, he does have a point. When you quit cold-turkey, that is a serious accomplishment, because you are cutting yourself off a drug that you are addicted to, and demonstrating the will to stay off of it.
When you switch to a PV, he's right - you only kind-of quit smoking. You are still taking the drug, and are still addicted to it. Yes, it is absolutely better for you, but you are still addicted to the drug.
I have a very libertarian position on the matter, and think if people want to take a certain drug, they are more than free to. But I have to say that he did accomplish something you did not. You both quit cigarettes, but he actually quit nicotine, which is much, much, much harder.
If vapers are going to promote the item based on it being a way to quit smoking, I think it's important to recognize that quitting the nicotine is also important, and someone who gets there without the aid of a PV is to be applauded. Because they did do it better than someone who just switched and is still getting their nicotine fix. Even if you are vaping, saying you are or are not a smoker is really just a semantics game. If you are taking in the nicotine, you are still addicted - no matter what delivery method you choose.
I think they are great for it, but I use it like I used cigarettes - because I like smoking, and really don't care to quit. Sure, I have the nic level dialed in low, but that works for me.
Ultimately, I think we should be less concerned with what other people think. PVs are good, because they don't have the carcinogens, but they are bad in a way because many are still used to deliver nicotine. It is a bad we choose to include in our lives, and we have every right to do so.
I guess it depends on how you present it. Rather than saying that you quit smoking, perhaps the device should be sold in your description as a healthier alternative. Because at the end of the day, those that are able to completely quit have accomplished more than those who still take in nicotine. They DO have more bragging rights, and I have a feeling (not accusing anyone specifically, mind you), there are some vapers who do brag about how they "quit smoking." And if I quit cold turkey (and I did at one point - there were several years between the time I smoked cigarettes and the time I picked up my pipe for recreational smoking), I would be a bit irritated by someone bragging about quitting when they never faced withdrawals.