I had mine replaced last year when I added Day Running Lights. I've also got some Ebay specials 6000k and swapped those orange indicator light bulbs with slivertec bulbs. As OP said, its PITA to get to the tight spots and mine was a little bit easier as I took the whole unit out.
As for night performance, I don't think these Ebay specials are any brighter than OEM ones (they looked nice and not overly bright to dazzle others). If you are driving a lot at nights, I would go for those Osram or Philips night breaker or something similar.