Good points, [MENTION=219896]JohnJ80[/MENTION]. I will be buying high-intensity lights from now on, and I'll be recommending them. It amazes me when I see people riding with lights that they clearly think are consequential but are not.

I do have some B&M lights that have received compliments on their intensity and focus even though they are low power, but I can't afford them for all of my bikes. My unshaped Cygolite headlight gets some respect.

I went on a rural ride today and had totally forgotten both of my lights. It was a sunny day, so I decided to continue. I was fine, but it's still better to ride with lights.

The other trick to pull off is to make sure to have enough charge in my batteries. That's why I prefer dynamo-powered lighting. I never need to tend to it. I use a rechargeable taillight on my bikes with dynamos, because I only need to charge the taillight once a month. A good headlight needs frequent charging, and I don't trust myself with that.