Getting heat off the MCPCB undoubtedly improves the lifespan of the emitter. It would seem a devil’s exchange to keep the light more comfortable in hand by isolating more heat at the emitter. If the light gets too hot to hold, it’s a good time to back off. Still, these emitters don’t mind being warm, so I don’t know where the balance lies.
I would not make current mods to this light, but some of you have and perhaps you are the explorers that can tell us when the emitter blows 
. From what we’ve seen so far, the single FET might be the only thing preventing a fiery death. Bear in mind that koef’s SST-40 test suggested an optimal maximum of 7.4A, and failure occurred at 9.4A. 8-8.5A is probably a much safer region of operation.
At present, the best way to replace a neutral white SST-40 is to order another FT03 and wait until someone gets stock.
I’d like to see someone’s 3V XHP50.2 swap, but I bought this light for its throw while maintaining a somewhat useful beam width. A bright flooder simply creates a wall of light if there’s any moisture in the air and I’ve never found a purpose for pencil beams that travel a mile as I can’t see that far without a telescope . From the beamshots I’ve seen, the stock light probably does what I want; a brighter XM-L in a relatively large reflector.
For me, this light is a giant C8 (or poor man’s MF02), but it’s a tradeoff as the FT03 is too large to holster (yes, I’ll like the light anyway). I wanted the extra oomph, however, and at this price it seemed like a good upgrade. I’ve bought C8F’s, but they were gifts for others. Single-emitter C8’s are a great size for carrying or holstering, have good throw, are cheap, and have tons of parts still available. They perhaps best represent the soul of the Budget Light Forum.
Question: I’ve noticed that many of you have had tracking information. Did you pay extra for this? My light claims to be shipped, but the page says no tracking is available. I don’t recall whether Banggood offers tracking by default or not.
BTW, the FT03 “Pre-Order” count is back up to 93 
.