We have one 10" Solatube in our kitchen. We got the warm effect lens and the color of the light is great... not cold and blue like some others without lenses. We did not get the vent kit so can't comment on that, but did get the electric light add-on which is great. We will be adding another in a dark hallway this year.

I don't think the baffle would be needed in our installation. Even though it's SW orientation, it must be blocked by the garage roof somewhat because even at its brightest it isn't a huge amount of light. Definitel a help, and definitely worthwhile, but never "too much".