I also have a Mini-Maglite. I use Duracell rechargeable batteries in it. I dread having to find replacement bulbs for it. They cost more than the LED flashlight.
I bought some eneloop rechargeables, and the first thing I read when I VERY UNcharacteristically looked at the instructions was a warning to
NOT use them in sealed environments, which is what I took my Maglite to be,
sooo...
I just took a look on eBay UK, and replacement bulbs for a 2 x AA Maglite are going for 3£ (about $3.50), while the best price I found on eBay US was $5, and the best price on Amazon was almost $6, so you've got nothing to complain about.
