This and bugged Darkvision makes me switch to an elf in my own party rather than use torches. It really is quite tedious.
Maybe torches could act like when you get a weapon with a spell ability, and have a toggleable ability on the hotbar that lasts until toggled off or (if torches have a limited use) - burns out.
I'd prefer not having to equip and unequip them, and just have the option available if I have them in my inventory.