Doug,
The original question asked the application of 3 lumens and if it is adequate for 7-10 yards illumination. I could've said, 1, 2, or 3 Nichias driven at or above spec to 3 lumens or said 2-3x Infinitys taped together, and it would still be the same case. In this example, an Opalec Newbeam's no more than 4 lumens, IIRC, and in the argument of throw, it's not a good light for that application.
Obviously, I'm not arguing that the Opalec Newbeam's a "bad" light. I have one, and I love it. For close-ups, it's a perfect light. But for the application purpose of illuminating something at a distance, it's not intended for that. Thus, you have Luxeon Stars that are currently superior to Nichias in throw purposes and would be better suited for jobs at or beyond 7-10 yards.
An example of a great AA-based LED that can really throw is the Arc-LS... BB/MM series can also do it. But these guys are up there at or beyond 20 lumens. Even a PT Impact-II with a refractor and good throw still pales in comparison to the illumination of a HD LS w/NX05...
Again, I'm not picking on the NewBeam because it's a bad light. But at-around 3 lumens, it's an example of the lack of throw at that particular lumens ratings.