i notice you arent sure about getting malkoffs yet, and in honestly malkoffs arent the brightest, doesnt have multiply modes. beam pattern doesnt provide alot of throw.
what malkoffs drop-ins are, are the best in terms of quality, reliability, and simplicity.
ive try other drop-ins, but all my p60 hosts have malkoffs in them now.
i dont EDC my p60 hosts. for me, the size is too big for pocket carry. these are my work/emergency lights. at work i holster carry a C2. when i work on cars, or any home projects, i grab a malkoffed p60 host or 2.
i have my other p60 hosts scattered around the house for my family to use. because theyre simple to use, parts are interchangeable, have good runtimes with a long taper as cells deplete, wide voltage range, great all-around beam pattern, reliable, and has excellent thermal regulation. i can leave the light on, unattended until the batteries go dead, and not worry about it getting too hot, and damaging itself.
i guess for me, malkoffs make the best general use lights. i understand some want more output, throw, levels etc. and there are other options.
so i think you should try out whichever you're looking for thatll make you happy. going the custom route with nailbender or vinh is worth looking into. nailbender has tons of options, from LEDs, modes, voltage range, reflectors, etc..
also, malkoffs hold value, if you get a malkoff used for $50-60, then decide you want to use the money on something else. you could easily sell it for what you got it for.
ive noticed the W, N, hCRI models move even faster on the marketplace, if reasonably priced.