The person you mention does say that about the Ovalplus. But there is a model that has a light sensor switch, and it was great when I had one. Even less to worry about. The lamp itself isn't really *that* expensive.

I have gone the E6 route (double). I had double Ovalpluses for PBP2003, and despite the two zenor diodes, they worked very well. The E6s are more intense with their longer spread of light, but I do miss occasionally the wider spread offered by the Ovapluses. E6s also cannot be run directly off batteries, whereas the Ovalplus can be. The E6 has a reed switch operated by a magnet in the outer switch ring, and it can be damaged by the sudden increase in current through it.

I had a friend who had an Ovalplus connected to a first-generation Litespin sidewall dynamo. The Litespins then had problems with the hinging and his remained on for ALL his riding. The Ovalplus was a non-switched version, so it remained on for ALL his riding. The bulbs last a long time and the chances of blowing one in daylight are remote. Generally, you replace them because the light very slowly dims and becomes yellow.

I do concede that yes, you do need to carry spare bulbs whereas with LEDs you don't. And unfortunately, the bulbs are not off-the-shelf types, and the person you mention is the only one who imports them in North America.