I liked it on the v-brake. Why did you take it off, did you think it looked messy? If you want, you could tone down the impact by putting some silver reflective tape on the polished alloy bits. By the way, a knog light or similar in the back of your helmet and some reflective tape on your helmet also gives some peace of mind at night. (well for me anyway)

edit I just noticed you don't have much polished alloy, maybe just your levers.