My random thoughts...
I use unprotected DX cells in my 6P, but I am retentive and NEVER let them fully discharge. Excessively discharging the cells increases the risk of polarity reversal and an explosive condition/electrical fire can result if one cell reverses polarity relative to another.
I run them for 40 minutes MAX and replace them, even if they appear to have plenty of life left. I already know the emitter will dim and turn yellow around 50 Minutes. I also number each of my cells, and match them for run time as close as I can and ONLY use them in matched pairs. Use a good cut-off charger that cuts charge at 4.2V, and top them off as needed. To my surprise the self discharge has been very low, even though they are not supposed to be LSD cells. If I fully charge them, and let them sit in my pack for a couple weeks they will top off in about 20 seconds... pleasant surprise.
Its a lot of work, but IMHO thats part of the hobby.
I also have some trustfire protecteds, that work great and are worth the added peace of mind, so long as you plan ahead for the added 2.5mm cell length. Just run them worry free till they die and don't even think twice about it.:thumbsup: