the proper hid is no brighter than stock headlights, but when someone mods headlights to give better sign illumination (removing shields/ 100w bulbs) they are brighter than proper hid (to light up signs I have to use high beam, the hid I use only illuminate the road from cars bumpers down) I do agree that hid bulbs in oem reflectors are a bad thing, but so are 100+ watt bulbs, and driving around with highbeam on in heavy traffic.