I also wondered this (while I admire the design here) and I think this has all to do with speed. These flashlights are used in security, hiking, rescue, where y

I also wondered this (while I admire the design here) and I think this has all to do with speed. These flashlights are used in security, hiking, rescue, where you can't be bothered with fumbling with buttons, also xour other hand is probably occupied. The patterns are lean and can be learned when done often (thats the whole point of this design), and after some config, things can be accessed with a few taps.