You guys are great. Thank you very much for the quick responses. I've only known about this forum for a few weeks, and have been somewhat addicted to it ever since. What's wrong with us & our obsession with lights? Anyway, your posts have made it easier for me to make my decision. This may go against many of your opinions, but this is what I conclude on this matter: As a perfectionist, I appreciate high quality products (not just flashlights) as much as the next guy. However, I am also fairly practical in how my hard-earned money is used. It is very easy for any of us to sit down in our homes and critique all these lights under a "microscope". I tend to do it, and sometimes lose focus on what the light will actually be used for. 99% of the time, even though I like the perfect flawless beam of light, it is not necessary. When one is in "need" of some light (preferably bright), the only 2 "important" factors become: 1)Is the light readily available? 2)Does it work? If we really need the light, we probably will be concentrating on the action that requires the need, and not be thinking back about that night we compared the beam to another light. It sounds like the Dorcy is at least just as bright, but with a less-than-perfect beam quality. With this fact, and my reasoning, I will stick with the Dorcy's, at least in the AAA size anyway. It would be hard for me to justify the Arc in this case, simply because it has a nicer looking beam. That is a non-factor in a time of need. I also understand & agree that the Arc is more pocketable, but this is not my intention. I like to put small lights in a variety of places, e.g. luggage bags, coat pockets, briefcase, sports bag, etc. For this use, I just need some small, reliable lights. I don't need these lights to be "indestructable" or water-proof to a mile deep in the ocean, or have the perfect beam circle. I'll save those features for my camping lights. Thanks again.