I collect threads .. Threads here on BLF.. what ive learned could never be calculated to a monetary value. Wouldn't accept it even if it could be calculated.
It may be so regarding watts, but there's still a long way for LED flashlights - same power in a smaller package, better color rendition, etc., not to mention better materials, better power conversion, better cooling, so there'll always be another flashlight we just have to buy. :)
There was once I asked one of my friend, "Do you think it is weird that I collect flashlight?". He answered, "Yes, a little bit..."
I once knew a man who collected all the messages left on his answer machine. He compiled them on to CDs. I asked why, and his answer was that when he was old, he'd never have to be lonely because he could remind himself of all the people who'd phoned to talk to him..
I find something almost chilling about that.
Don't be ridicules of course there off of random cars, I would never park illegally.
I don't really mind people collecting flashlights .
What first made me squimish about flashaholics was when i first started reading threads on CPF and someone claimed to have newly modded a light they just recieved from deal extreme .
I was interested in what a flashlight mod was .. he took off the tailcap and cleaned the threads ,got rid of that small o-ring and replaced it with another ,re-lubed it and put the tailcap back on .
That scared me pretty badly ...Maybe I should have just turned and ran ..(would have saved me a few bucks)
If your definition of modding lights is wiping them down with lemon pledge ......."Houston we have a problem "
I did have a nice beer can collection as a kid ...and one day we did drink the full ones ...we were 14:P
What is stranger? The looks I get if I mention that I build/mod flashlights as a hobby! 
You know, like you've got 3 heads or you escaped from the state hospital.
Especially women... rolleyes and look at you like you've got leprosy!
Rich
Collect paper napkins! 
E1320, thanks for the belly laugh this morning! I needed that!
So far, every person that I've shown my flashlight collection to has asked me to pick a light out to fit their needs and then order it for them. People seem to think the modded Maglights are the "coolest", but always want me to order them a stainless Chinese AA light or a Chinese zoomie LoL.
ROFL! It is pretty much a chick deterrent. Possibly the quickest way to dry out the threads on their battery tube…if you know what I mean… 
LOL. I’m sort of a battery-holic as well. I’ve been stockpiling alkalines, can’t make a Costco run without coming back with another 40-pack. I don’t think I’m alone in that, its sort of a Prepper thing.
Not if you have an Apple. 
Don't get me wrong, I've been using micro's since before the first IBM PC appeared. My 5 year old iMac still operates like a new machine. My 2 year old work HP is extremely slow and clunky, gets worse all the time.
Back on Topic: Surprised no one has mentioned: China - I have a sister-in-law that collects antique plates, bowls, etc. Lot's of people do it.
I used to collect beer cans - all were empty of course. And I worked for Coca-Cola for 16 years. I have absolutely tons of Coke memorabilia. My brother and I both used to collect die cast cars. I still have most of them, they're just put away somewhere. Wife and I collect small pewter pieces from everywhere we visit.
People do think my flashlight collection is a little weird, though. But at least I do use them.
Between rides, I worked for Pepsi for 8 years, and have a few collectible items from that stint in their mfg'ing plants. We did a lot of "test" flavors, like Apple Pepsi and the like...
Oh, man does that bring back memories. I worked at HQ in Atlanta for 10 years, I had samples of every new product concept that came out. On trips I would always bring back Coke products from other countries and had friends send me stuff from overseas. Do you remember Coke II, Tab Clear or OK Cola? How about Crystal Pepsi?
Troop, I did work for Pepsi for 6 months after Coke. I even made a couple trips up to Purchase. Ultimately, I could not adjust to the culture shock of Blue vs Red.
BTW, we have something else in common: Mustangs. I've had 3: a restored '66 289, a '93 notchback LX street modded 5.0, and a first off the truck 2005 GT. All Red. All awesome. I will have another one sometime down the road.
I just looked at my own last post and almost threw up in my mouth. 
Mmmmmm. Frothy goodness.
Yeah - perhaps that person buys these (Note: I took this photo myself at a Dick's Sporting Goods store.):
-Garry
Or you have a PC
My ~5 years old Q6600 / 4GB / 6TB / 8800GT is still my main computer. It is the first PC I kept for more than 2 years because, well, it is still going great (even plays games nicely)! And, I believe, most computers produced at or after 2007 are still very usable (as long as they don't use windows vista... windows 7 is fine and linux is even better).
Now, Apples... I don't like them for, about, 1000 reasons, but oranges is another story
And that reminds me, on topic, that I still have an Amiga 500, an Amiga 1200, an Amstrad 6128 and a spectrum +2 in my attic and not a single monitor to use them! I hope this doesn't qualify me as computers collector, I just have a difficulty throwing away some things 