The generation with the gear in the bowl were dreadful - always looked like the lamp was not lit along the full length! The gear in the shoe model was vastly superior.I don't think these are too bad during the day, but I agree that when it becomes dusk and they start switching on, one questions why only half the lamp is working!
As for the Residium - one of the ugliest lanterns ever produced! - and yes the Libra is a clear market leader now - but that was yet another reason for Philips buying out Indal!While perhaps not the most attractive of lanterns (their form resembles an extruded Malaga/Streetfighter, which isn't a good thing on paper!), I have seen SOX versions across Hertfordshire at night and they do work a treat. The Libra does appear to have proved more popular in sales but, of course, is restricted to fluorescent lamps.