Man I totally dig these screenshots, even as just eye candy.
I really hope that, with the new lighting and shader system, the FX paints will get an overhaul some time soon as well. (e.g. bricks with the "glow" effect won't have shadows cast on them if that is even possible, animated fx looking better regardless of the size of the brick, etc.)
Also I agree that toning the gleam down a bit would be nice. Perhaps in the future, the Pearl/Chrome effect will give bricks that much gleam, while normal bricks have a more subtle specular effect.
I am genuinely excited for this update and wish you the best of luck getting it finished.