For generic loaner use to family/friends, you need something with good runtime and decent output on alkaline batteries. That usually means C or D cells. The typical person, in a power failure, for example, needs flood far more than throw to accommodate: navigating, seeing to kids/pets, searching indoors/attic/garage/basements, general room illumination (impromptu lantern duty), auto/household repair, etc. It also has to be dead simple to use, with no "modes" or anything else for the borrower to know or remember. Inexpensive and dependable are key.
So, I loan my Mag 2D Rebel with diffusion lens. Oddly enough, the all-throw Mag reflector shining through LDF makes great general purpose light (no rings or artifacts) with some ability retained for a bit of throw if needed. You also get candle mode (lantern). The Mag has all of the above advantages; everyone knows what it is, doesn't need instruction, and they'll have an easy time using it; off/on. If you must, Mag is supposed to be coming out with a multimode 3C version soon.
And it costs 30. Mags are hardly my favorite lights, but they are perfect for this application. Sometimes best of all, you don't have to listen to questions or explain your odd hobby or how much you paid for this weird light...
