Chiming in with subjective speculation, not used mesh at all. I think, again just opinion, the argument pursued in using mesh is that of surface area making for a better vape. Not sure if it is, isn't. I know that if using clean cotton gauze as wick, the surface area saps up more juice and releases it more evenly. To whit that seems similar to the argument of surface are for me, imho. I kind of do and don't like using the gauze wick. It seems keen to get over stuffed in the coil.
Met someone that uses quartz crystal as wick. He swears by it. Not tried it because it needs to be a specific type of cut and processed crystal (reads costs a good bit) , and I'm not sure it would suit for me. People try all kinds of stuff. I'm finding simple 316SS Clapton coil, single or plain old dumb Kanthal 28awg single does well.