I see your frustration with QTC, but did not know Peak won't send you the pill. If I recall correctly they did send those 2.0 pills to folks with issues, but might have stopped doing so (likely to prevent abuse). Peak does non-QTC lights if you ask for it, in the sub-zero through 8 brightness levels. While ordering you can mention this in the comments - pretty much all my lights come this way. And lastly, you can take out the QTC pill and the light behaves as single mode level 8 brightness light. You may need to add a pill sized aluminium foil insert to make up for the missing QTC pill.
Can't comment on the horror stories, but my experience has been stellar with them so far. Their responses may be delayed at times, but they have always come through in the end.
Even with those QTC issues (it's an optional feature), Peak lights are ultra reliable and have never failed on me. As compared, every brand has failed on me at least once, most overseas manufactured lights are excellent as long as they are babied, but one drop on concrete, and they go all crazy. Peak, owing to its design simplicity, continues to work. I'd recommend you give them a second chance, and I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised. [emoji2]