That looks like it could be a legitimate Cree emitter vs. one of the LB counterfeits. And yes, LB is already in the business of copying XM-L2 emitters:
In the meantime, I would concur that the host you have isn’t optimum. The S2/S2+ (Convoy series!) would be a nice option. I’m not sure where you are located, Mtn is always a good option, but if shipping isn’t convenient, this is a good option @ $6.87:
https://www.fasttech.com/products/1618/10002463/1198400-18650-diy-edc-led-flashlight-host-with-switch-refl
Assuming the quality hasn’t changed since I purchased mine, this is a decent quality build-it-yourself host, with a lot of flexibility.
Add a known-good XM-L2 emitter on a 16mm PCB, and a 17mm driver. The kit includes everything else you need except for the thermal paste.
Mine has this driver installed:
https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10001751/1127403-8-amc7135-4-group-25-modes-led-flashlight-driver-c
It’s a generic clone of the Nanjg 105c/Qlite driver, but is cheaper, and inferior in some ways, but lacks memory. I’m using it because it’s a simple no-memory, always-start-on-high driver. Medium and low are far too high (low is a decent medium) and both have visible PWM (not the worst I’ve seen). This is my winter nighttime EDC - with the earlier nights, I want to have the easy access to the full brightness without fumbling through modes and this works.
Otherwise, I’d suggest the Qlite:
…or Nanjg with the solderable-star mode selection option:
https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10001683/1122302-8-amc7135-4-group-25-modes-led-flashlight-driver-c