Re: EDC \"failures\"??
I had a minimag that I used ni-cads with that blew bulbs very frequently (this was many years ago, before I knew better, and that the lower voltage might cause the bulbs to fail).
I also had a keychain light (PrincetonTec? Can't remember) that ate batteries (2x 2016), due to the pressure switch and being carried in a jacket pocket. That got expensive.
So, the failures were really mine and not that of the lights.
Now I carry an E1e with a KL1 in a Swiss Army Knife sheath (fits great), a 5w, 3x123, LED with a three step tail switch in a tool pouch on my belt, and a few keychain lights that have on-off slide switches. No battery eaters, no problems with switches, and no problems with dropping them or having them get too cold and quitting (I like lithiums).
Also, I've got a 3w, 2x123, LED with a three step tail switch (and some bicycle handlebar padding for insulation and grip --stays comfy in the hand and is harder to drop) that goes in the jacket pocket.
Each of the lights gets cleaned regularly, and the non-keychain lights get sprayed with contact cleaner (batteries, too, after they get tested), and have the o-rings lubed. I think this qualifies as "failure is not an option."