Until a person has done a significant amount of practice and training in no and low-light situations, I would make the assertion that their answers are ignorant and should be ignored. Problem for the OP is that he has no way to "see" the experience and training level of the responders in this thread. Even those who were or are LEO, for the vast majority, are not sufficiently trained, especially with lights and lasers.
My opinions and tactics have changed significantly on this topic over the years. Exposure to alternative methods such as offset light use and diversionary tactics experienced in Dry-fire, FOF/Sims and live fire both acting alone and in teams as well as matches shot at night are the best ways to experience and test what works and what does not work.
You may have heard people say that you need 200, 500 or 1000 rounds through a firearm before you rely on it for defense and, at a minimum, 50 rounds a month to maintain a minimum level of proficiency. The use of weapon mounted lights is an advanced tactic, and can certainly be done with total safety and with complete adherence to the 4 laws of gun safety, but the training is needed. Based on the data only about 1% of CCW holders and only about 15% of LEOs consistently complete the minimum amount of recommended monthly training. So, for most people, I will say yes, a WML is likely beyond their skillset.
Motion lights and remote controlled lights are likely a better and safer alternative for the average HD focused gun owner than a WML.
