KISS
Keep It Simple Stupid...
...works for me
And a cheap headtorch from walmart does the trick.
The problem isn't the instrument lighting it's the kneeboard reading, and no panel lights/map light is going to get where I need it.
I can pre/post flight with a nice bright white LED and flick on a red LED when I need the next checkpoint, and it changes angle..
$9 it was...
liplight is what - $50/60 ??
I personally don't find a headtorch clumsy or annoying, and I've had flights where without one would have been a no-go.
I know we're all drummed into accepting the mantra of preserve night vision - but do we really need it ??
The rabbit/landing light is far more destructive to night vision than any personal lighting, right when you need it.