I'm sorry you're having these doubts. Nicotine, however is a powerful drug/habit which makes smoking seem like it's run by remote control. At the risk of sounding self-righteous, I smoked for 25 years, but was able to quit cold turkey 3 years ago. I used the reward system, just as you did your sweets. I figured out I was spending $200 a month on cigs. I have a very tight budget, but used the money from quitting to buy an inexpensive new car. If I start smoking again, I won't be able to make the car payment. It's a pretty powerful incentive to stay stopped!

That stated, I know it doesn't really address your question. I understand the fatalism you seem to feel. I still know that my risk of contracting lung cancer is far greater than someone who has never smoked. In addition, I think I have traces of COPD, since it seems you never fully regain your wind (I was an athlete in HS & college). I hope you're able to settle your questions, no matter what you decide to do in the long run. Quitting now will still reduce the chance of dying from other cigarette-linked diseases (heart disease, for example). Good luck and, once again, I'm sorry I didn't fully address your deep question.

(BTW, I lived in Germany for three years & smoked F6...an Ossi cigarette!)