paxxus, I can give you my thoughts as to your questions, but they are unofficial, meaning Rob may wish to correct any errors I may make.
Yes, both the al RAW and the NS both use McR16 reflectors. I understand the the McR16 has to be shortened (machined down) in order to work in the shorter NS body. I don't know if that has any effect on throw, but it is extra time and work involved when using the Cree XR-E emitter in the NS. I believe the NEW aluminum RAW is slightly longer than the previous RAW to compensate for the longer and deeper McR16 reflector designed for the Cree. As of yet, I do not believe the NS has not been redesigned for the longer reflector, requiring the work to be done to shorten the reflector (extra labor cost).
I think the estimated 25 minute runtime on high (120 lumens) is assuming the more effecient Cree XR-E emitter in both RAW and NS. I have read reviews whereas some of the original RAWs with Luxeons only had about 12 minutes runtime on high to 50% brightness. Assuming the current draw on both RAW and NS is identical, the rating of the battery will determine runtimes for each. The protected PRCR2 battery in the RAW is a 14270, while the unprotected battery in the NS is a 14250. I think the extra 20mm in length of the PRCR2 is mostly taken up by the protection circuit, leaving close to the same volume left for battery chemistry. The 14250 unprotected battery is rated at 300 Mah. The older, unprotected 14270 RCR2 was rated at 350 Mah. Some of the earliest protected PRCR2s were rated at 300 Mah, the same as the unprotected 14250 used in the NS. I have not received my RAW yet, so I don't know if the new PRCR2 battery is rated at 300 Mah or 350 Mah. Maybe Rob can fill us in on the details. Remember though, the actual capacity can vary from battery to battery even with the same part numbers, much like the LED emitters themselves can vary in performance, so these are estimates.
The tritium locaters at priced @ each, 6 pounds sterling or whatever that symbol means (nearly $12 each). I would think one popular use for the tritium locator would be for finding the light when the light is kept on a nightstand at night. Simply set the RAW on end with the locator facing your bed when you go to bed at night. For camping or something, more tritium slots may be useful if you lay the light on its side. But remember, these lights can roll if layed on their side rather than stood up on end.
By the way, if you buy a light without tritium and later decide you need it, the locators can be purchased separately and easily installed with a drop of glue in the slots. Paying the additional postage later would have to be considered.
