I feel like 4.0 was released based on a calendar date, with a version number based on dubious logic.
So I agree it’s a problem, yeah.
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Just a heads up on this, the latest version of 4.1 now has an option to use the old behavior for spots and point lamps.
Best of both worlds 
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Solution appeals even to me. 
I’m curious if the two approaches show differences wrt noise when combining small and large light sources. I’m still on 4.0.
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I can definitely see use cases for both methods, having the choice is a welcome addition.
The truth is that I can not really see any difference in noise of the light cast from lamp that is “in the air”.
To add an argument in favor of the new method to the thread, here is a sphere with point lamp in the middle. The radius of the lamp is slightly larger than the sphere. In this case I find the new behavior much more logical, the light is fully illuminating the sphere and the whole scene it also looks like a real lightbulb.
I have no idea what is going on with the old one, it does not make sense, it leaks some light, the sphere casts shadow and the shadows of the cube look buggy.
New
Old
There are no other lights in the scene.