Originally Posted by
noglider
I'm not convinced that a to-be-seen light has any advantages over a to-see light except for cost. I have a German-made shaped beam headlight, and I get compliments on how visible it is from far away. The actual output is low. The beam shaping makes it look sharp, and I don't have it pointed too high.
The only advantage is on the MUP, so oncoming cyclists can see you without getting blinded. Some of the oncoming bike lights are like high beams in a car, blinding, even when blinking.
On the street, I agree, brighter is better.