Wow - I think we have the answers - some people think "dyno" - some people think "china-shine" LEDs on steroids and some people just don't care.
Having been "around the block" - and being an "early adopter" of bicycle lights - my first light was $5.95 6V dry cell in a metal box hooked to some brand of a sealed beam from Western Auto.... - woah but the kid down the street had a "Scwhinn branded" bottle generator? - All I can say is - we've come along way baby!
I'm not sure there is anyway to understand how or why a cyclist will place their interest or confidence in one light system over another. Clearly there is a demarcation between the type of rider who will accommodate a generator and light permanently mounted on a bike while others accept the need to care for batteries on a regular basis. (or re-supply)
However, my intent was to discuss how other cyclists would define what I "believe" to be any "all night" cyclist's necessities.
That being:
Two independent front lighting sources - powered and operated in a way in one of which is usable as an all purpose light.
Two independent rear lights - powered and operated in a way that one of the lights could possibly remain lighted all night.
The next big issue - coming up