It appears that I can get rid of the mesh X-ray part of it by reducing light intensity, provided the light isn't really close to the candle. If it is then the intensity I have to reduce it too isn't sufficient to simulate the candlelight, which is its sole purpose.

I also tried using the other falloff modes. I think inverse square is the most prone to the mesh X-ray effect. But it's also the best for candle light.

With default min bias I still get that grey circle (it's not eye shaped in these renders). The point light is to the right of the flame - you can see it in the preview

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The 3Dcheapskate* occasionally posts sensible stuff. Usually by accident.
And it usually uses Poser 11, with units set to inches. Except when it's using Poser 6 or PP2014, or when its units are set to PNU.

*also available in ShareCG, DAZ, and HiveWire3D flavours (the DeviantArt and CGBytes flavour have been discontinued).