The entire concept for this light originally was a small, backpacking oriented version of the LT1. If size isn’t a concern, use the LT1. The LT1 already has all the things you are looking for when size isn’t a factor. Heck, with a little ingenuity you could probably shoehorn a 3 AAA carrier into a LT1 if you wanted to. Where size is a factor though (the whole purpose of a mini version!?) the 26650 is unwelcome.
I wouldn’t take AAA’s as an emergency, I would buy them anywhere, unlike lithium ion cells (of course I’d have several other lights with me as a backup too )
This LT1M was intended to be more compact, (thinner) to better fill the need for campers, backers, canoeists, Kayakers, etc. The 26650 is an older format, & loosing popularity in favor of the newer 21700 thinner format. A base cap will likely be available for better stability.
It would have been good to PM the waiting list about the poll?
Been waiting for LT1 mini for so long I don’t check the thread much and missed out on the poll, luckily for me the smaller option was selected because as dbsar says a few posts above I thought the intention was smaller and lighter for use where weight is a consideration.
As many have already said, if weight is not a consideration just take the LT1.
AA compatibility of no concern for me a in a light like this.