Good post and observations, Evan. 

I have used energy efficient fluorescent bulbs vet effectively in recessed fixtures. Sure they don't look quite as nice but you don't necessarily look at them!

Most of the newer pot lights I am seeing around here are rated for insulation contact. Lots of the old ones are not.

This is interesting. Some things you never think about. Thanks for posting.

I have never heard that, and there isn't much about houses I haven't heard.  Great post!

There are PLENTY of IC (insulation contact) rated 6" lighting cans on the market and they really aren't that much more expensive.  They are available in both new construction and remodel types of cans.  However, for the smaller cans (3-5"), most of the IC rated cans are the new construction types only.

Also, to increase efficiency beyond having an IC rated can, you can buy IC rated cans that are also sealed and "air tight".  That's what I just bought. They can be installed right next to your insulation and are themselves sealed.

Commercial Electric H4 cans are the one's to buy...I think they were $9/can instead of $6.  Not exactly a big deal.  Halo brand has these also, but I don't know the model #.

You can increase the insulating properties of the cans even more by buying the Commercial Electric T49 baffle trims to go with the IC rated air tight cans.  They have rubber gaskets and are also air tight.  So you have two layers of "air tight" now along with cans that can be in contact with your insulation.  And it doesn't cost that much more -- unless you're needing to buy 50+ cans of something.

Moral...for a just a bit more money, you can do Eco-friendly recessed lighting without a problem.  I think I spent a total of $170 on 8 air-tight IC rated cans with baffles and a 50' spool of 12 gauge Romex wire.  I probably spent only $40 more than I would have if I bought the cheap, non-IC, non-air tight ones.  Big deal. ;-)