Budman,
I JUST got my LF2XT today. I too love my LF3XT, I love the smooth transition from spot to flood and I think the UI should be an industry standard.
I hate AAAs, but for this little beauty I'll happily make an exception. There are a few extra options in programming, but it's not a big deal if you're used the the LF3XT. Considering how many hours you've pored over the flowchart I don't think you'll have any trouble.
Of course it's nowhere near as bright, but ring-free, neutral output lights up a dark room beautifully. I know now why they go nuts for the Ti versions, it's a neat little light in a deceptively small package.
It's small.
Really small.
The body minus the head is just about the exact size of a AA. Somehow it's still pretty grippable. I had an LF5XT and found it to be too slippery. The ribs on the LF2XT are an improvement. If it's still too slippery you can get the Ti version that's fully knurled.
Anyway, hate to gush over it, but it's awesome. You won't know it's in your pocket.
I find the LF3XT to be a little tough to manipulate without the lanyard wrapped around it as there are no detents or ribs. And that's about my only gripe with it.
As far as the heart of your question: are they too similar to bother?
I have no regrets buying the LF2XT and feel they are in completely different usage categories.
As you can tell I'm nuts for this thing.
However.... someone hinted at an upcoming emitter refresh on the LF2XT so it might be worth waiting a month or 2. I read it right after I placed my order:scowl:.
Longer runtimes. More light.