What you're describing is called color-shifting. Cheaper bulbs do it a lot quicker than higher quality OEM bulbs. Once the bulb has color-shifted, your output (lumens) have just dropped - even more dramatically on the cheaper egay bulbs. But, I'm assuming since you said the original color was "icey blue", that you bought 8000K, or higher, bulbs. So, I'm guessing you're not as concerned with output/performance as you are with color?
I'm not sure what you mean by "stinger", but the gas and metal salts, sealed inside the glass bubble in the center of the tube, are what determine the color of an HID bulb.
LOL. That 150 probably included ballasts as well; not just bulbs. To quote you:
But like you said though, if they're bright enough for you, then that's all that matters right?
First off, I'm not "hatin". Secondly, I explained to you why the color changed. Don't get all pissy, you get what you pay for; $150 for an HID setup is cheap. Period.
What you're calling a "stinger" is actually the insulator for the return wire on the bulb. The return wire is the wire that extends from the tip of the bulb back to the base, alongside the bulb itself. It is insulated by a thin tube of ceramic to prohibit a premature arc of electricity outside the bulb (what you're calling the "stinger"). The color of this insulator has absolutely nothing to do with the color that the bulb produces. I've already explained above what gives it its color.
Yowza! Did you get an extended warranty from the dealer? I bought my 2002 back in 2006, so the factory 4 year warranty had just run out. It still only has 23k miles on it, so hopefully I'm good for a while.
the real price was about 1200-1400 dollars. you'd think lincoln would find a way to prevent something like this happening just for a defroster.. heh