I voted for shiny as new (if not better). My first priority is to clean the brass so it prevents anything from damaging my dies. I could stop there, but I like the polish and protection from tarnishing that tumbling with an additive provides. It also reduces the effort when sizing pistol brass with carbide dies.
I wouldn't ever tell anyone that they need to tumble until it is very shiny. It is just part of the pride I take in reloading. By the way, if it matters I like to keep my car clean also and I change the oil at the recommended frequency.
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