canopy tint

Hi all

This has been thrashed out before but a search didnt come up with any difinitive answers, only general observations and personal views.

What opinions have you all on canopy tinting - what color and why?

The tinted canopy looks better from the outside - Yep, I reckon so

The tints seem to lower the temperature inside -really? -HOW? I would have thought the darker color retains more heat than a clear canopy does- am I wrong?
Is there a significant difference in heat reduction from the tint, once the cockpit has cooled after launch?

The lower light within the cockpit makes reading some instruments difficult, especially with age modified eyeballs - I can imagine this to be true, is it a big problem, does it outweigh any benefits?

Does the color chosen improve visibility outside- for seeing haze domes, distanct CU or other aircraft? And therefore, should the color be chosen specifically for where one intends to fly?
For example, the terrain over Australia is generally an entirely different color to that of rural UK or snowy area's in the European Alps or northern US, should the color be matched to these areas?

Aside from reflections being reduced in the darker cockpit, an obvios benefit -especially for DG type canopies, is it mainly a glam thing that only makes the craft look better from outside?

Thanks,

Bagger