The way I look at it, the lights take up practically no space and, as RJP said, I've never felt them to be a burden or wished that I didn't have them. I think it is also important to recognize that unexpected things can happen so it is better to have options just in case the need ever arises.
As such, I've had at least one light with me on every dive since I got my OW cert. regardless of time or weather conditions. I started out using a UK SL6, then got a Mini Q40 as a back-up (which remains attached to my shoulder strap to this day), and later I replaced the SL6 with a Green Force LED can light that I took on every dive. I just sold the Green Force so now I'm looking at HID can light options for when I take my video camera, but it will probably come with me even without the camera. I also had a strobe attached to the upper part of my shoulder strap but it's inop right now so I've got to fix or replace it.
As such, I've had at least one light with me on every dive since I got my OW cert. regardless of time or weather conditions. I started out using a UK SL6, then got a Mini Q40 as a back-up (which remains attached to my shoulder strap to this day), and later I replaced the SL6 with a Green Force LED can light that I took on every dive. I just sold the Green Force so now I'm looking at HID can light options for when I take my video camera, but it will probably come with me even without the camera. I also had a strobe attached to the upper part of my shoulder strap but it's inop right now so I've got to fix or replace it.
