This is all a little strange thread. It is useless to consider abstract cases of using protected or unprotected cells. Too many variables. I would suggest taking a specific flashlight that has certain parameters, for example, SF 6РХ. Take a specific person who uses it, that is, choose a method of use (permanent / short-term / mixed), a charging method (what specific device is used, how often recharging occurs, is there any system in it). It is only later to determine what type of cell is suitable or not suitable for a specific combination of "a specific person + a specific lantern".
Specifically, I moved from the protected elements of the Eagletac 16650 to the unprotected Sony VTC5 and further, further, as the lamps changed. These particular Eagletac have an interesting feature - when they are almost depleted and used with an unregulated lamp, the lamp begins to flicker. I am replacing the battery and the lamp protection has not yet worked. Very good cells for standard lamps.
I had protected IMRs from Olight, their protection circuitry died because I didn't bother to check the SF A2 flashlight, which was drawing more current out of them than they could handle + heated to a very high temperature due to the lamp. I just cut off the protection with a knife and continued to use in other flashlights with power consumption suitable for these batteries.
Now I have a bunch of protected and unprotected 18650s. They all work great, since none of my flashlights draw more current than the rated current of the cells and the flashlight itself gives signals (either by blinking or dimming, or by a fuel gauge, or by a small screen with a voltmeter) that it's time to change the batteries, and not one goes below 3.2-3.4 volts when I replace it with a fresh one.
Times have changed, now there are already protected elements that can withstand 20 A for a long time - Acebeam ARC18650H-310A IMR 18650 3100 mAh 20A 3.7V PCB 4x MOSFET
But I still have a knife to cut off the protection board if she suddenly dies before her cell.