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Around here most energy efficient buildings would have vapour barriers above the ceiling that I think would prevent the problem. Maybe it is a heat issue and codes require air space above fixtures. That might prevent vapour barrier from being laid on top of them unless structures were build above the fixtures. If I had a choice between paying carpenter hourly rates or buying 2-cent gaskets I'd likely go for the gaskets. Having much space for hot air to escape from the ceiling to the attic sure would run up the heating bill.
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Save money on your electric bill
I was trying to figure why the ceiling wouldn't have been built and vapour barrier laid over the whole thing rather than cutting panels out of the barrier for the lights. I can think of several reasons such as the barrier tending to tear where it goes over the lights or maybe disturbing overlap between widths. Just trying to fill in some gaps in my building technique knowledge here. I always thought having continuous barrier was desirable.
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The link below goes to an article (.5M Acrobat) that describes some problems in Northern Climates. The problem is as much moisture from condensation as energy efficiency. Modern building techniques here go to a lot of trouble to ensure an intact barrier.
What can happen is that moisture still goes through some types of ceiling material or seams, and the air is warmer than the outside. It is trapped under vapour barrier but will migrate around and exit through any opening that isn't lower than the barrier. One problem is if it percolates through insulation it cools, moisture condenses in the insulation, rots wood structural members etc. I don't imagine there is this type problem in your area but that's what I was thinking of. What I am familiar with is intact barrier with wide overlap of the seams with insulation on top, and the edges are tucked around structures at the ends so the barrier goes down. Murf mentioned spray on barrier, which I think is the modern preferred method. But I'm just blabbing and it's easy for a person to sound like they know more than they do.
It's curious to note that the same government agency that provides the article had an energy efficiency grant program for older homes during the late 70's. The program subsidized contractors who did things like blow cellulose insulation into flat roof structures and put UF foam into wall cavities--on structures that lacked vapour barriers. Well, the victims of that program gassed themselves inside their houses; had their rafters rot and their property values crash to below 'handymans' specials.' Some program!
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10-29-2003, 07:17 
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