It depends on how you look at it. The increase in current makes the light brighter, which is great. It compensates for the fact that the Nichia 219B I replaced the Cree XP-L HI with, is less efficient and would produce less light, had it been fed the same Amps. As it stands, the light looks to me to be a bit brighter than it was before. Of course, I have no means to measure that objectively, so take it with a grain of salt.
On the other hand, the increased brightness and the usage of a less eficient LED will definitely have an impact in thermals and consumption. The light will start thermal throttling after 30-40 seconds, with a small visible (flicker like) step down and then gradual reduction in output. Nevertheless, it is still bright enough to use without any extreme plunges.
So all in all, it is a matter of preference. Some prefer a brighter high mode for less time and some prefer a less bright high mode for a bit longer. I think I am happy with what I have at the moment. I love such brightness from a High CRI LED in such a small light and it does not get uncomfortable hot nor does it throttle too soon.
As moderator007 said, replacing the R050 resistor with one of higher value should limit the Amps going to the LED. Thus the brightness and heat will be lessened and the runtime will be increased. The light will also be usable with batteries that can provide less Amps, such as the included one.
That is the one.
I do not know for sure but the facts that it says “End-of-discharge Voltage: 2.5V” in the specs and it has a visible neck a few mm below the positive pole, suggest that it is.
That is exactly what I think, but I am not sure I want to do that. I think I would rather use high power cells, like the Olight and the Vapcell and keep it as it is, with higher output.
On that, jon_slider, moderator007, anyone who cares to comment:
What do you think? Would you keep the light as it is now, with a higher output and battery consumption, requiring specific high output cells but giving out more light or temper it to be compatible with all RCR123 batteries and have a longer runtime, but produce less light?