I've got a Fenix EO1 in my pocket as I type this, been there for around four years now, still on the same lithium battery I put in it then. I never had a Solitare last more than a month! Every time I'd grab it the battery was dead or I had to tap it on the side to get it to make contact.
I carried minimags for years. LOVED them, kept a 2AAA in my pocket when I worked as a mechanic. But I always had four spare bulbs in my tool box next to a box of batteries. But I got tired of tapping them on the workbench to get them to work, bulbs burning out all the time and the flickering when they did work. I've tried all the drop-ins for them, they helped some but most were a pretty nasty tint with rings in the beam etc. they are also rather pricey!
I also have an E21 in my bug out bag, that's how good I think their quality is! I'm going to change out the emmiter in a few days, not because there is anything wrong with it, but I wanted a warm version and couldn't find one, so I'm going to make my own! I've become an LED snob, I've gotten spoiled with high CRI lights.
The first "real" light I bought was a Surefire L1, I wasn't sure about spending that much money on it, but reading everyone on here rave about it I bit the bullet. I was hooked after that! Like others have said, once you go down the rabbit hole you don't come back! Once you buy a "real" flashlight, Surefire, Streamlight, Fenix, etc., you'll wonder why you waited so long using those mags!