Current LED flashlights are regularly putting out 500-700 lumens of light, depending on how close you are to the cutting edge. Do you think cyclists need 7000 lumens in front, or are you referring to the nightlight-equivalent "bike lights" sold in most bike shops? If the former, I'd have to disagree with you. If the latter, you should probably note those as such, and distinguish them from the modern and readily available technology in LED flashlights.
The most popular LED flashlight suggested on the Bike Forums is the Fenix L2D. The maximum output on those is 130 lumens. Yes, there are some flashlights out there that are becoming more popular with outputs that are approaching 500-700 lumens and I'm quite glad of that. 130 lumens is a pretty poor light for urban conditions. More ambient light sources require more light output.
The 10x number is based upon the output of the Fenix, not the higher output LED flashlights. I see many people riding with a lot less than even the L2D...or I should say I
barely see them
