OK folks - ya'll cost me another $40! I broke down and ordered the Igage set
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00INL0BTS
So far, I think I like them. Interesting they don't have the auto OFF function. Says they are "low battery use" so the average battery will last 2 yrs, about the same as my $100 set of Mitutoyo without turning off much. It's handy to have them always ON when reaching for them. Let's see how the battery life is. They sure do measure good and return to Zero each time.... so far. Only had them a couple of days.
I was initially worried/surprised about the no auto off as well, especially since the rest of the digital measuring tools I have from them DO have this feature, HOWEVER.... I leave them on constantly and I don't think I've changed the battery yet, or if I have, it's only been once. I believe they will last for at least 2 years with "normal" use, I.E., leaving them on sometimes, turning them off others.
Now, my much more expensive SPI calipers seem to need constant battery replacement whether I leave them on or not, though it is a different (smaller) button cell.
Incidentally, I did measure the current draw on the iGaging while on and off. and while on, they draw only 21 uA (micro-Amps), and off only around 1.2uA.
I believe the coin cells they use are rated at about 220mah, so if my math is correct, at 21uA, you're looking at about an 11000 hour battery life, or 1.25 years, give or take, if left on 24/7.
Granted, I was using a relatively cheap multi-meter to take my measurements, but I think the numbers make sense.