Yea, I wish I had lock lights. They are much cooler than keyboard ones. I wanted to get a 8000 for that reason but I didn't find dealing with a chance of clones worth it. Also for the reasons you stated. On the 3001's wiki page I made a note of the battery change, and the awful leaking NiCads
So how do you like the 9000? Interesting board but I don't think I could get used the arrow cluster. Also have you cleaned your switches? Its totally worth it. Luckily my other Alps boards don't need it I didn't notice a major change in cleaning my SKCM Oranges or SKCL Greens. The SKCM White change was huge. They click louder, stronger, and prouder. They feel smoother and more responsive.
I'm really liking the 9000 so far, I just haven't had the time to clean & replace its switches, so it's seen very little actual use. Real life keeps getting in the way.
I think clicky Alps are the ones most susceptible to "Dirty switch syndrome." They have too many extra moving parts compared to tactile and especially linear switches, any one of which can get gummed up with dust and debris over the years. Thus, they gain the most back after cleaning, and they tend to have the most wildly differing tactility and clickiness depending up on make and model year, how much use they've seen, how much dust they've accumulated, etc.
This is generally true of most clicky switches. Ironically, I've long been of the opinion that the best buckling springs are the ones that have been heavily broken in (not dirty, mind you, just ones that have seen a fair amount of use). Brand-new Model Ms are almost uncomfortably stiff, IMO.
Anyway, I'm strongly considering buying a 5001 from another GH member here, and if so I will most definitely compare notes, as the 9000 was basically the exact same board, just a later model.