I think ozarker and I are almost in violent agreement now. Right on! If you use true deep cycle batteries, like golf cart batteries for example, you will get a good service life (number of recharge cycles) but it will take a significant volume/weight of batteries to supply the current required without warping a plate or doing some other injury to the battery. This is THE solution. If you use the "hybrid" you will do better than starting batteries but not as good as with THE batteries. True deep cycle batts are the more expensive (front end loaded) solution but over time can be the cheapest solution, especially if the down time due to batt failure and repetitive replacement matters.
Also regarding the comment about using a starting batt for lights. Deep cycle is the right way. You get away with it if the draw is really low, short duration, and you don't draw the batt down nearly as far as you would with a true deep cycle. If you try to use a starting batt for deep cycle service it is very expensive and failure prone. This is a lesson soon learned by newbies in solar electric applications, campers, and similar apps.
I did get excellent results using starting batts in one "alternate" application, welding. Once as a consultant to a startup company trying to perfect a battery operated arc welder (34 lbs without batts) I used 100AH starting batts with good results. They would source the heavy current required without premature failure but you had to recharge earlier that if you had a bank of deep cycles. Of course with deep cycles you would have needed a trailer to haul the battery bank as each safely sources much less current than a good diesel starting battery. A it was I used two 100AH 12volt diesel starting batts in series with one being charged by the vehicle and the other floating. Had a switch arrangement to reverse the roles to keep everyone charged (simpler and cheaper than a 24 volt alternator.)
It is a pay me now or pay me more later situation. Go cheap and you replace often. Go first class and it costs more, weighs more, and takes up more space.
Patrick