PaulRivers;

Regarding your B&M taillight. In the S switch position the dynamo is supposed to take over from the batteries once moving. The "if the dynamo is not released" refers to a bottle generator dynamo, which is what B&M makes, not being against the wheel and operating. Clear as mud, right? The batteries take over when stopped to provide full illumination rather than a reduced output standlight. The light is supposed to turn off automatically after 4 minutes or so w/o motion or dynamo input with the switch in that position. If yours does not then something is apparently defective.

The large reflectors on the sides of the light are there to meet German TUV safety regulations which require front and rear reflectors on all bicycles whether they have lights or not. They are found on virtually all European taillights. Thus their size.

BTW I agree about the inadequacy of the original equipment Civia Hyland Shimano headlight. It should be upgraded by Civia to a German headlight with standlight and a generator taillight should be included with the bike as delivered.