I realize I am probably in the minority, but that's my thoughts on it
I'm right there with you...the issue is likely that alot of consumers, who have been spoiled by the ease of access to rechargable power, have been conditioned to treat SHTF scenarios as 3rd world problems, and therefore non-existent in the first world, where higher dollar lights like Malkoff "should" entitle them to higher output, cluttering features, etc.
The beauty of Malkoff, as most of us here know, is that they're tough tools, designed to handle most of whatever life may throw at us. That said, I definitely agree with you on all listed points. Just because an emitter design allows for higher lux doesn't mean to capitalize and use maximum sustainable throw...Higher lux, as mentioned by other members as well, would benefit the lower brightnesses too. If the electrical efficiency is the same across multiple emitters, higher throw would be beneficial, boosting the apparent brightness of the hotspot while using lower power modes.
To reiterate what I would like to see in the ideal general purpose light, in no particular order, all of equal importance:
1) Basic/standard fuel capable, NiMH, alkaline, lithium primary, either single or double cell config.
2) industry standard IP68, thicker walls for rough and tumble, smoother internal finish to prevent battery wrap shredding, knocked down sharp edges. Dense and durable Acme threading, hard anodized, solvent/oil resistant materials
3) High CRI (90+) and Red rendition values
4) Mechanically variable "switch", either a twisty continually variable or a 2 mode switch, i.e. loosened head/physical selector. High of 25 lumens and low of 0.3 lumens, with a hotspot beam angle of between 5 and 10 degrees, and the ability to attach diffusers etc.
5) Removable anti-roll and pocket/carry indexing of some sort, slip on rubber, threaded hex, pocket clip, etc.
*optional: 6)User modularity, hot swappable components for service or repair-lenses, switches, body tubes
