You're correct, not what I was hoping to hear. So if not double, how about noticeable or even significant improvement over OEM w/ upgraded hallageon bulbs? I'm not an electric wiring kind of guy. Be afraid I'd screw something up bad. So it seems that if I paid a shop plus parts I'm looking a $600 for HID, am I in the ball park?What bulbs are they trying to sell you that are close to $200? Sounds suspicious at best. I wouldn't waste your money. There are absolutely no bulbs you can plug right in for double the performance (for any cost).
It's not the answer you want to hear, but the only way to put more usable light on the road without blinding people is to retrofit in some new projectors designed for HID lighting. Yes, you're looking at $300+ in parts alone, and that's if you're a DIY guy. If you want someone else to do it for you, it will cost even more (but likely will get better results - obviously depends on your skill level and patience to make it work correctly). You get what you pay for.
JD