Hoppdoc,

It seems to me that what you mention is often connected to which price range the scope is in. As with everything in this world, you often get what you pay for.

Besides the S&B 1.1-4 illuminated scope, I also own a Zeiss Varipoint 2.5-10 with an illuminated dot. In both cases, the reticle is no different with the light on or off, besides there being a tiny (adjustable in brightness) red dot when it's on. So there is no problem whatsoever if the battery happens to fail while you are hunting. It'll just turn into a regular scope. But note that since the batteries on these newer scopes last for a long time, this won't be a problem as long as you put in a new battery once a year. Or even every other year, for most people. This shouldn't be too hard for poeple to remember at the start of every hunting season/trip.

Erik