Originally Posted by njkayaker

The OP is intending to do this rarely, not "frequently".

He could (should) keep the flashlights off of the bike normally and put them on when he needs them for that rare night ride.

There is no problem dealing with one or two flashlights. You are making a big deal out of nothing.

The advantages of lights with separate battery packs are being brighter with much longer runtimes. They aren't "less hassle" to mount than flashlights.