I have noticed the huge difference myself; between halogen and LED light projection/reflection. LED's really reflect back at you when viewing reflective road signs and the like; as you had stated.
LEDs definitely look and I am still undecided if I want to convert all of my frontal lighting to LED at this point.
I may ultimately uninstall the White LED badge rings that I have and possibly go for amber instead. In hindsight, I wish I would've done that... more legal.