I think we now can point to another design,
#45, as the type of subtle effect we're talking about. Do you see in that design how there's just a slight lighting effect, barely perceptible? I think that's the type of thing that would work for this design.
Also: My boss suggested that the curve be inverted from its current shape, so that way it'll be sloping up rather than down. (Similar to
#45's curve shape as well)