I gave up on the flashlight path. My HID bit the dust earlier this week after 3 years of winters riding over very rough roads (actually I suspect my homemade regulator died, but I'm ready for a change). The DX flashlights I've tried didn't cut it, so I ordered the Dinotte 200L yesterday after checking out beam shots from AcidInMyLegs's blog. The price is pretty good $130, and it looks solid as a rock, and I'm happy to be able to buy something from a company that builds their product in the US and seems to have unexcelled customer service.

I'm riding with my old 20W halogen until the 200L comes. It's actually pretty good, if a bit heavy and very ugly (made from plumbing parts). Also I'm looking forward to having good strobe modes for bad weather, and I think I'm sold enough on Dinotte to order their taillight as well, supplanting one of my SuperFlashes (I won't ride with only one taillight no matter how good it is - anything can fail).