txwest,
Are you sure the overdriven 3 cell bulb is as bright as a Surge (or even close)? I've used KPR 103 and Whitestar, and I don't get these results.
They DO look very WHITE, but maybe that can give a false impression that they're as BRIGHT. Maybe try some long range field testing and see if you still agree? I didn't see the difference too well until I did this.
I've taken nightly walks with these lights for the last several weeks through a nearby golf course. I often bring both. The Surge with either 4 or 8 NiMH (usually just 4), and the Tec 40 with 4 NiMH and 3 cell bulb. Shining them at distant trees brings out the difference, and the difference is dramatic. Up close, it's not so apparent.
ps. Are you using a narrow beam reflector? I'm comparing the Surge to the Tec 40 with broad beam reflector. I haven't compared the Surge to the Tec 40 with narrow beam reflector. Also, Al says he's using XPR 103. I haven't tried that one, since I think it could blow easily. I'll get one tomorrow and make a comparison.