Nice pictures, GG. Interesting how my digital camera accentuates the red too. The actual 2003 CPF AAA, or at least the one I have, isn't nearly as bright red as pictures 1, 5, & 6. It looks most like picture 4. There is no way anyone would mistake it for my son's red Maglite Solitaire, a light I now wish I hadn't bought. My wife describes the color as Burnt Sienna (Crayola color). Mahogany or Chestnut are in the ballpark too.
It's a beautiful color. Distinctive. Somewhat eye-catching but subtle. I don't think HA III comes in bright red. Speaking of HA III...discoloration on my old AAA in the area where it rubs most against my keys appears to be the key material rubbing off onto the Arc, not the keys wearing through the Arc's finish. Meanwhile, it's fairly common to see Solitaires almost completely stripped of their finish after extended pocket carry.