Being a "battery guy", working in power sources my whole career, the answer is NO (on the flashlight batteries). Now, some of the lithium batteries publish 5-7 years shelf life, I can believe up to 4, so if they were using the kind of flashlights that use lithium batteries I'd be on board to a degree. However, obvious C and D cell alkaline size flashlights - no way.
I've had alkaline batteries that I got nearly free on a rebate/coupon deal sitting in our closet for over 2 years that were at full power when we opened and used them.