'Better' is. of course, subjective, but in the vast majority of cases I will usually opt for longer run time and slightly less useable light if the light level with longer run time is enough to do what I would be likely to need.Specialized uses may change all of that, of course, but that is my usual preference. JMO

As for the 'why', I find there is usually not enough difference between the lower and higher output lamps to justify the very short run times for a general use light. While 500 may be twice 250, it sure doesn'tlook like it in my eyes where useable light is concerned.