I finially put tint on my car a few years ago. I really am happy with the result. Its helpful when the sun is really beating down and in average driving conditions I feel it makes the car more comfortable. I like that I stayed a little lighter on the tint and didnt go too dark. A friend has tint on his audi and It is a few shades darker then mine. It makes it hard to see at night and when backing up.
Mine is a nice and I find the crystaillne a good inbetween.
It will take a bit to grow on you and I think over time you will move to and be happy with tint upfront. even if its just for the privacy and comfort aspect. From a general car view aspect it looks great. Im with you too dark to me dosent look good and the gangster look just isnt appealing to me.