Not a good comparison at all. Modifying your exhaust, or having no exhaust may be loud and obnoxious, but at least it doesn’t blind on coming drivers. Too bright of lights is dangerous to other people on the road. The reason they’re not approved by DOT is just for that reason, along with the housings not being as durable as OEM.
And if you think I’m just a hater, all of my cars have HID’s, and only one set was factory.