For one thing, you can get a Shimano hub for less that $120. I only paid $80 for mine. But you need to add the price of rim, spokes and spoke tape to it, plus any tools.

As for the test, I plan on bringing my helmet mounted SJ1000 cam to take video of the whole thing. You'll be able to see relative brightness. I'm still hoping that it will be dark enough there to see the differences. If not, we can have a test in Prospect Park on another night where I was yesterday (no riding tonight, it is pouring down rain).