I think so too. What suprises me, is that there is a vocal minority that does not care about beam artifacts, nor CRI. Not just muggles either, some of the people that enjoy the AA Maglite are oldtimers.
Im guessing it is partly nostalgia… for the form factor, which is nice.
The challenge for me, was to come up with a viable alternative to suggest instead. I dont want to just say dont buy a flashlight, unless I can offer a constructive alternative, such as the AA Tool.
Im in the middle of that debate. My son in law mailed me his 2xAA Maglite, with a couple alkaleaks frozen inside. I considered buying him the LED version, until I saw the beam. I know I can do better. Even off the shelf, with no modding, I think and AA Tool and some Eneloops, is a better option than another AA Maglite, even on Eneloops.
The Tool has modes. The AA Maglite is a single mode high output unit, that drains 2 cells at a time… I cant think of a reason I would want to gift that to someone I Love.
However, we are all different, and if an AA Maglite makes someone happy, due to blissful ignorance, nostalgia, or any other reason, that is their choice, and I will respect it. I can only lead a horse to water.
Given my exalted position as a High CRI snob, I would only buy High CRI, or mod to that goal. The AA Tool does offer a 219C, which is better than CW, every day of the week, for my refined sensibilities… LOL!