Just wondering how much better some lights are after being modded, like will a modded HD2010 out throw a stock TN31. Give me some examples of what your modding will do.
An unmodded Bic lighter will out throw a stock incan Maglite Solitaire .
A modded “Streamlined Rock will out throw a stock ”Rock”.
a modded throw blanket will outthrow an unmodded blanket.
One could get thrown out of a bar for throwing up on the bar .
In other words, your better off buying the better throwing light in the first place and not spending a lot of time and money modding an inferior light.
No. Not really. Modded will always win, especially with throwers.
Why? Even most premium manufacturers are conservative with overdriving emitters, or they will not go above 3A to the emitter. Many does not user copper mcpcb. No one comes with de-domed emitters, which makes a huge difference.
A ZY-T08 modded to the extreme could do 250-300kcd with regulated output. Build cost, around 50$. It will beat most premium lights in the 100-500$ range.
I could also mention big head CORUOI, Maxtoch lights, etc..
And then there are those of us who mod the larger premium lights, that comes with even larger reflectors.
I think you are not likely to get a ton of serious answers in this thread. These things really depends on the mods that are being done too.
Some members have list of their lights, or comparison threads with kcd numbers. Example
Since that example, most have a tendency to push lights harder. Especially throwers.
I think they just got off on a silly tangent. 
When choosing a light there’s just so much more than throw involved. Kinda tough to just pull 2 flashlight models out and compare them with just throw in mind.
If you really wanted to though, some people are rocking modded HD2010’s (200kcd) that outthrow a stock TK61.
So the direct trade offs are $40 and some time to mod an HD2010 with your own custom UI vs the stock tk61 at $140… so many other differences too though.
Yeah, like reliability.