I've had all kinds of goofy lighting systems - and I was also hit by a car in the afternoon in brilliant sunshine. (no lights)
My experience would suggest that bright blinking lights should be used in all directions - and at all times.
I guess if I was happy with the performance of a USB light - I would buy four or five of them for use during long rides.
Back in day I used experiment with AA battery packs for type of lights.