I don't mind the USB flashlights since I am always carrying around a back-up power bank with swappable USB cables in both my car and my bag.
I'll have to check out the silicon diffusor I never thought of using one on any flashlight.. I'm sure there are some that work on any flashlight (sized to fit or not).
I appreciate that perspective. They aren't bad habits, they are different habits... and they work better in certain scenarios too. Convert those mannerisms to superpowers I say.