Neither would I try to improve the Mona Lisa with a can of Krylon :devil:
I don't think DaFab's work is equivalent to modifying the Mona Lisa with a can of Krylon.
I don't know if that's what you were saying, but for me they are first and foremost a tool rather than a painting or sculpture. Technically updating a classic McGizmo is more akin to building a classic hot rod rather than spray painting a unique one-of-a-kind classical masterpiece. There are purists that would demand their Mustang only have everything original for sure. But a new transmission and bigger engine doesn't ruin it, except in the mind of those purists.
I am not collecting for the sake of having a historical record of flashlights. I am collecting to have the most unique yet highly functional set of lighting tools I can assemble given my meager means.
I definitely see why certain lights (like the LS20) have a special place in the hearts of folks who got them when there were the newest best. I also understand why someone would never think of altering anything as special as a McGizmo light from the original configuration.
But I just don't feel that way. I love what DaFab and others are doing with Don's work to make them better tools than they were originally. I think I am making a distinction between technical modifications intended to improve function versus the addition of trits (which is silly). And unlike driving a new Mustang from 2012, having a classic modified under the hood is much classier and snazzier in my mind.
So if I imagine myself limited to carry only ONE McGizmo (which will never happen), I would want it to be a souped up LS20-PD that took more than a pile of cash (and a well-timed 'I'll take it' post) to acquire.
And I am working on it.
DaFab + McGizmo =
obi