i would definitely recommend color-matching pop bumpers and inserts. it makes the colors really stand out.

for GI, don't get too colorful. your best bet, especially as a beginner, is to stick with either warm or cool white, depending on the game and personal preference. to me, futuristic / space themes or games where the overall color scheme is blue / black / purple or similar colors at the cool end of the color scale, those games tend to look good with cool white GI lighting, and games with reds and yellows tend to look better with warm white in the GI. just my opinion, though.

CometPinball and Cointaker are both great. Comet has an interesting selection of crazy and creative creations, but both sell high quality bulbs at a good price and have great customer service.

reduced heat and virtually no UV radiation are important benefits, too: less warping of plastics, and less fading of artwork.