I actually quite like the light ring! Well, in lieu of an actual equippable torch, but I agree that aesthetically it's a bit something-or-other. That said, quite often, having to provide your own light is a bit of a pain: dishonourable mentions being the very limited battery life of Gordon Freeman's suit light and Doom 3 guy's torch that was too big and heavy to use at the same time as any firearm. Droppable torches worked well enough in Oblivion (though it's been so long that I don't remember if they were in the original game or an add-on) but were still a bit of a faff.
Yes, I am a malcontent and have woken up in a grumpy mood this rainy Sunday!
