With a 13 degree beam you do light up more of the subject. If on a night dive, where visability is limited anyway and you want to see more of a reef, then a 13 degree bulb may work just fine for you. For video and photos a wider beam would be more desirable for the same reason. Some people just prefer a little narrower beam than others, that is all. I have done signalling with a wide beam and it does work, maybe not as well as a narrower beam but it still does work.
As far as changing bulbs, basically changing the expensive bulb is all you need to do, going from a 13 degree to a 6 degree. Simple as that. As long as you don't change battery types or voltage (amount of batteries in the pack) then the ballast will remain the same for 13 degree, 6 degree. I will be offering both 13 degree and 6 degree in the 'Lite Sabre' for everyone's personal preference. Anymore question please let me know, I will answer any I can.