I feel that I should throw my two cents in here...
I have owned a Surefire e2e for about 7 months now. It goes wherever I go due to the handy pocket clip, which most other brands DON'T have. I work nights and go in at 2pm in the afternoon and generally get off anywhere between Midnight to 5 am. I cannot tell you how valuable that light has been on most nights when I get off and have to walk to my SUV (again this topic comes up, I have a 2000 Xterra). My workplace is in an area that's not so savory. Along with my CCW permit (I also am allowed to carry at work, even though it isn't job related, just self-required by the area we work) and my co-worker's feel completely safe with my presence (along with my training, which I am formerly a deputy for two local parishes, and I've attended Thunder Ranch twice) and my Surefire which I use to aid them to their vehicles. While I used to be on duty, we were required to carry Maglite's. If we wanted anything else, it was at our own expense. I bought a Surefire E2 and NEVER used my D-cell Maglite, it just sat in my unit every shift. The Surefire put out MUCH more light (almost 5 times more) in a package that didn't weigh down my already HEAVY duty belt and just clipped inside one of my front pockets.
As far as the pricing goes, personally I cringed when my local dealer swipes my credit card for one. Premium prices for Premium lights. Still, I forked over the funds to have one, not because it was the latest, greatest trendy thing to have in a pocket next to the latest Spyderco, just because I want a flashlight that will work EVERY time I use it and do it better than anything else available, simply because (as someone above said) they have no competition. I've tried the Innova and even though it was rugged, the batteries had a bad tendency to run out quicker (possibly due to the extra LED's) plus, no pocket clip. The Surefire has only had to have the batteries replaced twice in 7 months and that's with DAILY usage.
I know I've rambled on here, but the point is you get what you pay for. If your willing to cut corners on price, your willing to cut corners on performance. If there was a way to haggle, trust me, I'd be there with you guys. Again, I am NOT happy with Surefire's pricing, and hopefully with the cell phone analogy described above, we'll be able to get the same models cheaper in the future or maybe another company will step up and create lights comporable to Surefire. Until then, we have to accept the prices and be content with our purchases.
Just one more thing, cajuncoona has a good point, check ebay. There's always used Surefires there at reasonable prices. The e2e mentioned above was bought on ebay for only $40 and it was brand new in the box. The seller just didn't know what he had...
Thanks for the floor guys! Be safe!