I think like them... the remind me a lot of the Anthro ones that you returned. I just worry that the laces might be too chunky/rugged looking, but they could probably be replaced...
I like them, especially for your purposes. I *think* would switch out the laces though to something less 90's Timberlandish, but they may look fine IRL.
I would not, but no one should care, since I'm new and you have no reason to listen to MY opinion!
They're a bit rugged for my taste, "Timberlandish," as Lilykind said.
I don't care for the antiqued brass eyelet tabs either. That would make me feel like I had to wear gold jewelry, and with black shoes, I'd probably want to wear silver. (I'm seriously old school about mixing metals.)