Hey you guys not a worry:
We in NZ been down that road a few years ago and to date you can still buy the old bulbs.
They still have not made a new eco bulb to replace every type of regular bulb known to man/woman.
Here is a bit of info on the eco bulbs we use in NZ
http://www.ecobulb.com/nz/Technical_Safety.htmIf you read it you will sea that the mercury levels are extremely low.
I still use the older bulbs plus in the main areas I use the eco bulbs, to date they do last the distance, as long as they are not turned on an off dozens of times a day, like in a bathroom, teenagers room and the like.
Like if you use one in the kitchen when the light is low and you turn it on and the sun comes back out and then you turn it off again and in 5-10 minutes later you turn it back on again and so on an so on you sea where this is going, that is what makes them not last.
As for a reading lamp/light forget it regular or LED bulbs. LED bulbs are the way to go but thats a whole new ball game.
My 1.5 cents worth to you.
***Merlin***