If it breaks, SureFire will fix it. If it wears out that's not the same thing. Certainly you don't expect to have your car tires or brake pads replaced for free when they wear out do you?
SureFire's rubber-covered tape pressure switches wear out, as do the rubber push buttons on flashlights. These things as well as batteries and lamps are not covered I don't think and I never even expected Luxeons to be either. If the SureFire breaks, then certainly, but if it is used to the end of it's useful life then it's different.
Perhaps the issue here is that there is no "rated lifespan" from SureFire for their 5W Luxeon products. They don't give one for bulb Lamp Assemblies either do they?
Does any flashlight manufacturer give a rated lifespan for Luxeon models (either 1W, 5W or III) ??
I don't know how long my L4 will last (I believe the 5W Luxeon has a kinda 'half-life' in that it'll get less bright over time rather than just stop?)
I personally feel that LED lifespan is not an issue because even 500 hours, 1000 hours, 5000 hours or whatever is such a significant improvement over bulbs that if the LED does get worn out through extremely heavy use over the course of a year or so, surely the user has made use of the durability and extended lifespan giving them value for money and return on the increased inital investment required over bulbs?
Is there really an expectation here on CPF that companies should replace for free Luxeons that have worn out?
Al