I typically don't use illumination, except for a couple times tree stand hunting in dark timber first and last light. Looking through the LHT at dusk with a dark background I think this reticle needs illumination. Just my opinion. It should be fine in open country with lighter colored terrain...
I got one in the mail yesterday (3-15x42 MRAD). Same issue as others are reporting with illumination. I spoke with Vortex today and they stated its normal for the illumination of the center dot to randomly bleed throughout the reticle. I would expect this if is the power was really cranked up...