I like to have a fairly bright light, but I don't run it on "high" all the time - I change brightness based on what is needed to be seen or see where I am going. I think multiple lights is fine, and one of them being a helmet mounted light is very convenient, both to see and be seen by cars next to you (a SUV next to me can't see my normal bike lights but more likely can see my helmet lights (front and red rear).

I don't think all bright lights are create equal as beam patterns vary. many "spill" a lot of light and throw a lot of light "high" where its more likely to be in the eyes of pedestrians and other cyclists. Unless you have a 1500 lumen light and are shinning it right in motorists eyes I think this if of minimal concern to motorists in most cases.

It seems every lighting discussion gets in a three way battle between the dynamo fans, small rechargeable LED fans, and that $20 Chinese CREE magicshine clone from amazon that certain people love.

I currently use the small rechargeable LED lights, multiple, and have been happy as they meet my needs and seem to be of high quality. I have not tried a dynamo and would not want to put on on my current bike as I don't need or want it on my bike all the time (I do road rides on it and don't want one more thing permenently attached). If it was a dedicated utility bike/commuter I might consider a dynamo. I haven't tried one of those cheap CREE lights yet, but am tempted to order one just to compare it to my current lights. I am also curious how they compare to the "real" magicshines, for anyone who has tried both.