With the addition of Extra Utilities to the pack I've gone for another option: I use the Magnum Torch (which stops mob spawns in a large area around it, and you can bury it so nobody sees the thing) and then I light sparsely/moodily/where it makes sense rather than slapping down lights everywhere to stop the spawns.
Was not aware magnum torches did that. Going to have to bury one under my oreberry bush room.