As you say, HIDs are a grey area. I'm not going to start a debate as I have seen pages of arguments on other forums! From just our experience, if they are in projectors they don't dazzle anyone so nobody looks twice providing you don't go over 6000k.
I drove it back from Bristol, and after driving both of them it is hard to decide which I prefer.
The TF's engine is more powerful, and the exhaust note is nicer and the steering is better/heavier.... BUT......
The F is less of an 'effort' to drive, and almost as powerful and the ride (for me) feels much better. That is the TF's shortcoming IMO, it is too jiggly.
But my other half prefers the TF, so it doesn't really matter what I think of it!