VA tends to burn fast and therefore hot. Anything mixed with it that slows the burn-rate will make it seem to smoke cooler. Perique, black cavendish, rough-cut burley, latakia...all of them will temper the flames of hell that is straight VA. So will slow, easy drawing. That's also the key to actually tasting anything but cigarettishness in a straight VA.
I found that cigarette taste nauseating so I don't currently smoke VA.
There is definitely a learning curve, but it is well worth mastering.
This is why I purchase and cellar VAs and Va/Pers, cause I know someday I'll take the time necessary to learn to smoke them and I'm sure I'll be glad I did.