Maglites were great in their day (70s and 80s) and I was really glad to carry a dependable light then, but they have been eclipsed now by brighter and lighter products.
When I really, really need a light, I can care less about where it was made....
I agree that Maglites were SOTA in '85 but obsolete now. My preference is for CR123a batteries. But by and large, lights is one area where American made lights do hold a huge edge over the imported ones (meaning Chinese). There are some good Chinese brands but if the light simply has to work no matter what I will choosing one made by Malkoff, Elzetta, Peak or (in a pinch) Surefire (with the latter being the last resort).