Agreed- upside down might lead to trouble- but it can be a lot easier sometimes to hold the pipe at a downward angle. This way, with a regular lighter, it's much easier to get the flame going in the right direction without so much air flow (ergo getting things hotter faster).

I also have never seen the ceramic bit glowing whatsoever. I've even lit my changa (!!!) without touching flame to filter, and yet never seen the ceramic bit glow. If it's glowing but the spice isn't vaporized, methinks you aren't inhaling enough to make the intense heat hit the spice....