>>>>For *#&^ sake. JUST BUY A FREAKIN LIGHT AND RIDE!<<<<<

(From the OP) Yeah, that's the problem. I wish it were that easy, like when we were kids and there was the Schwinn bike light and the Schwinn bike light to choose from. Usually, you'd end up with the Schwinn bike light and you'd never think about it again.

As I said in the original post, I'm not looking for advice on which light to buy. I've got way more information than I'll ever need on that subject. The statement in my thread title simply reflects the premise of a book called "The Paradox of Choice," which basically explains why too many choices - and the fear of making the wrong choice - often lead us to abort making any choices at all. That's where my pannier shopping led me, and that's where my light shopping has led me. So nobody benefited.

As you said "The search for the perfect solution prevents you from getting anything down (sic...I think you meant 'done?'). There will be no perfect light. Just get something that puts out enough light to be seen with, and, if needed, for you to see with."

If I ever buy a new light at this point, this is probably the way I will do it.