I've run into the very same problem. I try to use AA's as much as possible and keep the AAA's & 9-V to a minimum.
The 123's for my surefire's were all bought at $1.00 to $1.25 each, I looked around and bought the least expensive ones I could find. Those get used very little, just shooting and real emergencies. I can justify paying for them with the low use and great results. Here in California we have Dollar Stores, where everything is $1.00,. I buy all the batteries I can there at $1.00 per 4 pack ( AA, AAA and D's) and 2 pack for 9-V. They do have name brand good quality batteries.
I also find that I'm useing less D cells with good AA flashlights and the Photon lights. I liked the first Surefire so much, I now have 3.