Yes, they're hot. I haven't actually measured the total draw of the bulb, but it wouldn't be much more than the 26W bulb plus a few watts for the ballast.
Not sure about the design of the reflector. They are specifically listed for use with these CFL's along with many other incandescent of higher wattage. They are the most reflective "premium" trims you can buy with a clear specular finished aluminum. What throws me about the heat issue is why only this circuit? I have three other circuits with the same fixture and bulb combo, almost exact install conditions, but none have burned out in those locations (yet). I think about half of the bulbs on this particular run have failed (9 of 18).
I'm going to remove all of the factory plug connectors and replace with standard connectors so I can be sure it's not that. I guess time will tell.
