Mike, hope you didn't take my last message to you the wrong way...here is some reading on the subject.....perhaps it can clear up what I was trying to say...
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/bulbs/superwhite/superwhite.html
FR8trn, I read this and the article is probably true and correct for most of the bulbs out there. There are a lot of claims for performance that is simply not delivered. I've spent money on some of them and learned this the hard way.
PIAA is an exception. The statement that the only way to increase output is to increase input is not true. I've been using PIAA replacement bulbs on my bikes and cars for over ten years. They really do work as advertised. They are expensive, but I've never felt ripped off or that they weren't worth the money. I have the Extreme White Plus H11 in my bike high beam and the difference is very dramatic.
I also have the HID setup for the lowbeam. One nice feature is that the HID bulb is on its own fused circuit so there is less chance of a total blackout with electric overload, and that frees up power for the rest of the lighting.
I checked out the 886 bulb for the spots. It doesn't seem to be a direct replacement at least in appearance. It doesn't have the silvered tip. I wonder if there is a higher output bulb that does.