One, I think that people often confuse the role of a handheld flashlight and a WML. They aren't the same thing, and have different uses, though a flashlight can obviously have a great deal of self-defense value as well, in several ways.
But I think it's also important for people to remember that you don't have to aim your weapon directly at someone in order to sufficiently illuminate an area (esp. indoors) with a WML. Particularly these days, with extremely bright WMLs easily available. I can keep my weapon lowered, and still illuminate a room with a 600 lumens or more light.
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Agreed, many WML’s tend to be bright enough to illuminate the immediate area. I’d much rather have a free hand.