I wouldn't EXACTLY call it useless or forced, as it'll make luminators more useful and desirable and as well as be configable hopefully?
And perhaps to make it simpler on torches is that they don't drop when they burn out, but become innactive torches, which it'll be easier to 'recharge' by right clicking it with a coal or charcoal?
Modifying vainilla items are usually frowned upon, unless you have a real god damn reason to do so. They are fine the way there are no need to nerf them, after all this is a industrial mod not a illumination mod.
And yeah moveable light sources are a pain in the butt, use dynamic lights (Made by Atomik Striker in the Minecraft Forums) if you want to carry a torch to light your path.