>wants to avoid buying LiIon cells
>fine with buying $30 XPL flashlight
There’s the SA22 http://www.cnqualitygoods.com/goods.php?id=1980 which uses 4xAA. The threads wear down tho 
If you’re willing to shell out $40: Reflector revised: ReyLight Pineapple Brass 14500/AA Flashlight, Nichia 219C 4000K
nkon.nl is a good site to buy LiIon in the EU, if you change your mind.