The reflector of the flashlight is built so light coming from a very small source (like the filament of an incandescent bulb) is directed forward in a focused beam.
I agree, but I also think that using a modern LED with a single source of forward-facing light is fine. However the emitter would need to be properly positioned in the light.
Here’s a very similar host (from one of the best low-cost flashlight makers) showing a properly aligned LED and reflector: