Taff yes you can use Smudges on it’s own, the same as you can use one lower ‘powered’ P7 on it’s own, same as you could use 10w halogens when they were they only option a few years back. People still run 200 lumen units and say it’s enough… but yes you can is the short answer
The problem is ppl maybe expecting too much, a ‘perfect’ unit which this isn’t (more expensive multi XPG or multi XML’s would probably be better & more expensive) but like the previous P7 it more than enough light for most ppl & great value with it.
IMO It has limitations in that it doesn’t have a huge amount of flood (it does have some but it’s overwhelmed by the central hot spot), where as the original P7’s didn’t have a huge throw, but the output is great and I doubt most ppl will be disappointed but I can’t talk for everyone. I feel that they would be best used as a head light to take advantage of the natural ‘hot spot’.
PS: Off-hand I like Smudge unit more than the DX ones as it has 4 setting, a useful medium, and not the usual crap high/low/flash (usual too low). Though if you willing to wait the DX unit is simply cheaper