There is no way you had a 45 aspect ratio tire... is there?.. Those look like 225-40-18's! That's what I always found when I looked locally for 18's. I think if you had 245-45-18's or even 225-50-18's you'd be more pleased with the look.

My brother has 225-50-18's on his car and they are far from rubber bands:
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/w...IMAG0256-1.jpg

Eh but hey I understand where you're coming from with the whole bent light weight rim deal.. sucks dude.