That X-Power Spirit checks more than a few boxes on my list. “High” and “Low” I’ve got figured out, but “Fluorescent” is new. What does “Fluorescent” do?
The second review seems to indicate it's synonymous with moonlight mode.
I bought a Klarus P1A for $22 and it works very well, but that was a “sale” price, worth seeing if you can match it or do better
Also a shiningbeam.com Romisen RC G2 is a very good light
In addition people seem to like the SK68 (clones), i don’t personally but its a decent light for well under $10
For a quality light, you might consider the Fenix E12. It’s an XP-E2 emitter but making nice output and it’s about as small as you can get with this cell size.
Note that because of the small die XP-E2 behind an optic the E12 is very throwey for a tiny AA with little spill beam, not something I want I’m a tiny EDC. I built mine into a ~500Lm flooder and sold it.
they make diffusion film. Just sayin…
Xeno ES1 or E03? The ES1 has an XP-G2, the EO3 has an XM-L2. I have the E03 and it’s a pretty neat little light. Both of these are higher than $20 though.
ebay shows listings on the Xeno EO3 v3 as low as $27