If I recall correctly, the end of the igniter doesn't get as hot as the center portion . The heating element itself, the electrical conductor, does not go all the way to the end, plus there is more
shielding (surface area)@ the end to dissipate the heat. It's the air movement that carries the superheated air from the igniter to the pellets.. As an example, the Memphis igniter doesn't protrude into the fire
box at all. It was done that way to extend igniter life. Firecraft was very close in copying the Memphis system, right down to the 3 ceramic iso rods.except they did allowed the igniter to extend into the fire
box. My guess is they went that way as they were probably concerned with infringement rights.