Interesting post - thanks for the front line report. I have had similar concerns about battery life and the CR123's, but I recently got a couple of Streamlight Twin Tasks for that very reason. They have a regular bulb when you need bright light or distance vision, but also have 3 LED's that you can toggle on or off alternatively with the bright bulb. The single CR123 version will run the LED's for up to 9 hours or so, and provides enough light to get down dark stairs, etc. The dual-battery version will last up to 28 hours on 2 batteries. They're also small enough to fit in a Jak-Strap headband, so you can use them hands free w/o carrying another light. The downside is they aren't completely water proof, just "resistant." I've had mine for a couple months and they have worked well so far. The smallest one will fit in a back pocket next to a pocket FAK. Take care.

Streamlight link: http://www.streamlight.com/tasklight_info.htm