I feel some are too harsh on non-lithium users.

Hmmm… cup half full/cup half empty.

The OP looks at our discussions with newbies as scaring them away from li-ion use.

I look at our discussions with newbies as not emphasizing safety issues enough.

Example: BLF decision

All sorts of helpful suggestions were given to this neophyte about which flashlight to buy, but not a word about li-ion hazards, safety precautions, or proper maintenance.

(Well, nothing was mentioned until I put a word or two in. O:-) )