Ok lets go Kids...
The Arc AAA isn't "that" good...it's excellent, which is several rungs above "that" good.
I think most of this has been said...I'll say it again.
Is it brighter than my Photon?
When the batteries in your Photon are brand new, and the batteries in your Arc are new, than the Photon is going to be brighter. When the batteries in your Photon are 20% dead, and the batteries in your Arc are 20% dead, than the Arc is going to be brigher.
It's insanely durrable, small, and efficient with batteries. It's an excellent EDC. I like mine so much I refused to send it in for months even though it had a slight, minor, tiny problem. I have finally sent it in and am waiting for a replacement/repair. Peter's customer service has been top notch.
It's silly but understandable that people doubt the Arc. I'd like to see a TV infomercial for it. What the difference would be is this: Unlike other infomercials, all the amazing things you'd see the Arc do and live through would all be truth. It really is one of the only production lights (Homebuilt lights are a whole different mater) that is too good to be true...but it is (True).