Its likely the production driver for the lantern will have a different trace pattern to use four AMC7135, ( with a 5th & 6th likely left open for those who want to mod it more) and hopefully a new firmware can be developed for the lantern that runs with those, and some added special modes.
Yeah, already done. He just doesn’t have the tools needed to reflash firmware, so proto2 is currently running stock Q8 firmware.
Thats great to hear on the firmware. What modes & groups have you set in the program? Once we can get a finalized driver that uses the 7135s, ( and hopefully either has the USB charging on board, (or wired for that to be a secondary board if needed) My skills are lacking when it comes to program flashing chips in that way, ( or have the tools as you mentioned.
The +1 channel is going to produce the greatest efficiency (hence runtime) for those who can use the amount of light emitted from only 350mA. 
It allows the user to set whatever mode group they want. At least, it lets them set the brightness of the lowest and highest level, and how many total steps there should be. The in-between levels will be spaced evenly on a visually-linear scale.
We haven’t really discussed yet what the defaults should be, but that should wait until after the driver is ready and we’ve had a chance to do some testing.
good points 
I am in for one depending on the price.
These are looking awesome. I think some of my family members could appreciate this lantern very much.
If I can add 6 more to my name. That would be great! I’m #37
added.
please add me to the list for one
Thanks for your work on this. It’s going to be amazing and blow the competition from the big-name brands out of the water.
I’m getting excited about this project! Please put me down for two more. Thanks!
Put me in for one. Thanks!
Please put me on the list for possibly 3. Thanks!
in for two
I didn’t see it mentioned, but how about a steel or delrin base plate to protect the bottom from rocks and rough surfaces. Using this outside did you see any wear on the base? Might be able to 3d print a piece the base sits into. Even a wider base with more lateral stability. Like the pancake bases on some lanterns.
Another idea I had was a place at the center of that base with a tripod mount. For a mini three legged flexible tripod, to use on uneven surfaces. The base would need to be a good deal thicker to thread into, as there’s not much material on the q8. Machined delrin would probably be much cheaper than stainless.
I know these would add cost, but as optional additions, I’d be willing to pay for them, for the added benefits.
Interesting idea to add a removable base. The V1 prototype has some scratches & nicks on the bottom form ground & rocks.
I was thinking one decent drop and the q8 tailcap might not screw on all that well. Even just a protective cup (like plastidip) might be worthwhile.
Screwing it to something like this might be really beneficial too:
It’s just that you’d need a few threads to bite into it, from the bottom.
Also, not sure what this little tripod would do with the weight of 4 18650s and the light on it.
That link don’t work for some reason.
It worked earlier strangely.
They must be in maintenance, like earlier BLF was.
Just checked their site and it’s down for the count.
link and pic are dead
sorry