early_cave,

funny you replied as such. As I pulled up to my barren, almost moved-out-of apartment last night, I noticed I did like the lights much better after a little more use. they are brighter than the regular sylv. 9004's i had in, though not a ton (not sure I can expect a whole lot more though). mainly, the whiter colored light and the larger beam area illuminate the immediate area in front of me much better, which is what I was wanting to improve in the first place (initial testing/comparing of lights was done in walmart parking lot against a wall some 50 or more feet away)
I put my lights on bright pulling into the complex and it illuminated most of my apartment building, i was actually impressed after playing around with them a little longer.
Dont be expecting HID quality lighting, but if you dont mind putting down 2x as much as regular lights I change my vote and say they are worth it.