The way I see it, even butane lighters can lose fuel over time sitting unused, so the notion of a cheap refillable for a few dollars more isn't such a big leap. In fact, I have both refillable and disposable butane lighters in reserve.
How much time are you talking about (assuming the button isn't depressed)? Months? Years?
Even though it still lights, should I still replace them every couple of years or so?
I'd hate to have one light fine when I test it, and fail me six months later when I needed it.