LEDs do not flicker, it is the pulse width modulation within the control circuit which causes flicker, which ultimately is due to poor design not the LED itself. CRI is based upon the patents held by the semiconductor fab which affect the type of semiconductor which can be used and how the phosphor is applied which varies. Binning (or statistical sampling) of LED chromacity improves over time across the industry. LEDs work great as spotlights actually because the most widely available lens material creates a sharp, direct light as opposed to a diffuse light. ;-)