[TrevorM]

Although the majority of the light goes in the direction the LED is pointed. The housing, even a wide angle housing, helps to direct the other light rays to the direction you want them to go. So you actually get a little more light if the "bulb" is in a housing as opposed to on a flat surface.

 

[TrevorM]

Kinda like this. https://ecogirlcosmoboy.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/best-light.jpg