Peppers losing their heat confuses the hell out of me. Are you watering too often? Stress them some, maybe that will get the heat in gear.
Have a safe trip, sounds like fun.
I just found your thread SV. How did the pods end up looking on that hairy plant you almost threw away? I ask because I have an Onza plant that has the same hairy character and looks very similar. Perhaps that is what it is.