hi ae86, i think i might retry the CFL's someday, i got a nice result the one time i used them but after changing my system around. it made them redundant.
the magnetic one i have is not loud at all. i hear ppl talk about the noise of them but my one just doesn't make enough to be an issue, but it does heat up. it's a great place for a quick dry.
the digital one dose nothing, no noise, no heat, nothing, just sits there. it doesn't even have flashing lights or anything. i was meant to get a Lumatek but they didn't have them in stock. i'll get it the next time. but i would definitely be getting a digital one. unless i fall in love with CFL's. i heard the led with the CFL's work great together but i don't think i'll try that anytime soon.
i think your right going with the paint, there's a school of thought online that the white paint is the better reflector. i don't know about that but one thing i did come across was people talking about the mirror type mylar can create "hot spots" i have never used it so never got them.
show some love for the tents, i'll bet you'll get a fancy grow tent someday. this hobby is very compelling. before you know it you'll be digging into a mountain and setting up underground.