I think they need to change signs and write on the maps that these areas are "Smoking and Vaping Areas", or something along those lines. As, well as when they state rules on a ride, or attraction that when they say, "No eating, drinking, smoking, or photography," to add vaping as well. Of course, I do not think it's going to happen, as all these recordings and videos (which state these rules) cannot be changed, but they could add them on the physical rules, signs, and/or maps perhaps.
I think the reason why this is happening is due to the fact that it's relatively a new thing and because a lot of places say "No Smoking", I think a lot of people try to be smart by saying, "Well, I'm not smoking, I'm vaping." I've noticed that a few restaurants in my areas are slowly putting up signs saying that their no smoking policy also includes not vaping and using e-cigarettes. And I think it's due to technicalities is the reasoning for them feeling the need to put up signs, so people cannot argue, "Well, it doesn't say no vaping."
I'm surprised it's this much of an issue at Universal, as the past year I've gone usually more than once a month, and have seen only one person smoke in a non-designated area so far this year with my pass. I normally see a decent amount of people using the MIB area (for one example). I think it's just bad luck on your part. I remember years ago (when it was a relatively new thing to have areas), when my mom would get caught they would say something right away. I've also more recently a couple of years ago (when I had my pass previously) noticed staff saying something to someone else a few times over different occasions. So, it's really about timing of someone seeing it and saying something.
Also, the thing about reporting seems pointless. As I remember the one person I noticed this year was doing it in passing and I didn't even notice it until the very last moment out of the corner of my eye. No way to report that and something happening. Not only that, but all I can see coming from reporting that, is just an employee simply letting the person know they cannot do that and there are designated areas for that. Which they will accept and listen, or they will argue they didn't do anything, which seems like more of a headache to me.