The ramp curve is not a neat thing that can be easily calculated and implemented based on pure theory, one size fits all.
Particularly once you start multiplexing in a FET for direct drive at the higher levels, mixed in with the characteristics of particular cells, be they brand new, or aged, full charge, or lesser (realistic).
Hence the need to try to wind things back, where there is an obvious miss-match between the capabilities of the LED and the cell, and the thermal capability of the rest, ultimately leading to consumer dissatisfaction, warranty claims, reputational damage, if not addressed.
It has to be tuned, subjectively. But if you use a TK derived firmware, you can always change it to suit your own preference, if you take the trouble to learn how.
Frankly, you might be better off using modes. I do, after having given ramping a good shot. Which also allows me to have a pretty good idea of run-time at each level, which is important to me, and at what level the torch is going to turn on at…
Then there are the actual characteristics of the LEDs, which are all different. We have a couple of experts who do their best to measure them quantifiably, but manufacturers have to source what is available, which may be very different.
Then there is the subjective discussion based on no data, except observations such as “I like it. I see a hint of green. I cannot tolerate any hint of green. It is nice and rosy, creamy white, too cold, too warm, Goldilocks’ bears wouldn’t eat it. I expected a miracle gazillion lumens but only got what was obvious from a few minutes research of e.g. Maukka and Djozz test results, etc.
And in each torch design, the effects of e.g. good, or poor thermal management, and ambient temperature, and driver design, component selection, even things as seemingly simple as springs, will alter the actual response of the LEDS, brightness, tint shift, etc.
Which is what makes it interesting.
Ultimately you can only use your own eyes (all different) and decide what you like, subjectively. This is not a subject where numbers count for much at-all, no matter how tempted you are to try to put things into neat little boxes, and insist on asking questions such as “what is the best … I must have the best … and the brightest … I want lumen numbers only, because I don’t understand what candelas are and just like simple numbers, … only the best bin is good enough (all the rest should be binned) but I don’t want to pay any more, I won’t buy it unless I have a discount code, and I want it now, why don’t I already have it, It must be below the BBL (not that they have any idea what the “BBL” represents, that would take a little bit of scientific knowledge and critical understanding of why, instead of a buzzword to fixate upon), such discussion is frankly Wank.”
Otherwise it is worthless, e.g. the usual “my tracking number isn’t working, I’m going to file a PayPal complaint and get my money back, I will never trust this outfit again, etc. etc.”
It’s hardly a matter of life and death, but it is a livelihood for the suppliers who make these esoteric things for us, but don’t quite perform as well and in a timely matter, nor communicate as some would expect, it is a different culture, for individuals particularly so.So cut them some slack. Otherwise we’d still be thinking that a Maglite was the height of sophistication, and something to aspire to owning.
Or that crude FET+n drivers derived from Comfychair’s great Nanjg mods, back in the day, are still the bees knees.
Rant over, but really, this is just a torch that deserves to do well, despite the sniping and negativity. Whilst being realistic about what is realistically possible, and delivering.