I'm hoping for a flatter regulation curve on this light vs the Microstream USB whose brightness drops quickly in the first ~5-10 min. The 'fact sheet' with the curve isn't posted yet for the Macro on the SL website as of today.
Regardless, am definitely looking forward to the Macro. Though it is ~1/2" longer and almost 2x the weight of the Microstream.. . the Macro at 4.4" long and only 2.2 oz I still think will be a comfortable EDC.
The 'local' battery availability concern is a valid point, but I like the Micro so much I'm willing to overlook that. Anymore the micro USB charger (a common android charger) is so ubiquitous, I consider that an acceptable fail safe. Chances are , a store with AAA batteries will also sell a phone charger.. if I can't borrow one from someone when away from my home or car.
And +1 in the spare Efest 10440 suggestion. . those work well and I carry a spare charged one in my backpack.
Even though the Micro has the rapid decline in brightness, I still consider it my all time favorite EDC as it's been the one I've now carried consistently for the longest amount of time. . over a year. I simply top off the charge a little more often, to compensate for the brightness curve performance.
The Macro may very well become my new favorite!