Ed,
I have nothing against sleeved bbls, though I prefer the invisible seam. Sometimes it can get you into higher grade/make of gun that you might not normally be able to afford. As for balance, it's impossible to tell how the gun felt with the original tubes, so if it swings good now,great stuff. Wall thickness will most likely be good, with perhaps longer chamber.
As for case color, you are correct,they can be either.. pretty or ugly,some of yours are both... pretty ugly.
franc