In my past experience the "uprated bulbs" didn't actually shine\light up any more of the road than the standard bulbs, they were just a different colour I guess it's the thought that you've payed £30/40 and it gives the illusion they MUST BE better as I've just payed three times more than what the standard bulbs cost?

HID or nothing at all in my opinion, don't waste money on shitty Christmas coloured lights for your headlights