Ok, experiment concluded. I will say, if you're using the stock bulbs and want just better halogen bulbs, consider the Philips Xtremevisions. They cast light actually very well, nice distance. About a 3500k color temp, still a very warm white.
Still, I prefer the LEDs I have. The light pattern is extremely similar to the Xtremevisions, casting a bit further than the halogen. Also, the LED color temp is easier for my eyes to pick out, so I can see better with them.
It was worth the experiment, though. Also, I noticed the halogen bulbs hot spot and side cast just like the LEDs.