Mark W
Yep, I really don't really care that much I guess.
Re power vs light: watts are a measure of power draw (volts x amps) whereas candlepower is a measure of light generated. For a given bulb they are related. For differnt bulbs, no. So it is possible for a lower wattage bulb to generate more candlepower.
Sure is. But not if you compare comparable bulbs. If the company who sells an 85 watt bulb that they claim puts out "100 watts" of light, was to make a bulb just like it that drew 100 watts... It would put out more light. The only way you get more light with less power is with different tech. So the claims of "100 watts of light from 85 watts of power" are meaningless. I could compare a modern bulb to Edisons first attempts with carbonized cotton for a filiment and get some really impressive claims. But it wouldn't mean anything.

Now if all the folks selling bulbs would offer a standardized rating of light output and bulb life (toss in resisitence too vibration while you're at it), then we could all make informed choices. But that ain't gonna happen.

Mark...