I also thought the AA/26650 was a good idea. Experience has taught me they don’t mix, the light has be designed to not self destruct with lithium, but the AA/AAA capability is an afterthought, they work but not well. I consider them a backup power source, the light will not operate quite correctly with them.
I would consider getting two lights, one for AA/AAA and one lithium, i have a Cyclone c88 and AA batteries couldn’t cut it, not because of the battery holder as everyone thinks, but because of voltage sag, even soldered together the batteries can’t put out enough voltage to fully power the light, not to mention premature low voltage warnings and variable performance on different battery brands or even the same brand depending on charge level.
Sadly high lumen AA lights are pricey, for example theres a Dorcy and a Coast light that look promising on AAs, but it is cheaper to buy an 18650 light and battery and cheap charger then to buy either of these.
Under 200 lumen AA/AAA lights are quite budget friendly though and will get you through most any flashlight necessitated situation.