Southeast Light was the first HL I ever purchased back in the summer of 1994. I knew nothing about collectibles at the time and purchased it because I spend many days each summer at Block Island and wanted a nice momento of the island's lighthouses.
My Southeast Light has been on display for roughly ten years now, and still looks great. The black paint on the lantern room is shiny and there is no flaking or fading.
I just looked at the auction and picture you refer to as "a little too shiny". It is my personal opinion that this picture may have been enhanced by increasing contrast or perhaps modified by hitting the "instant fix" feature of a photo program. I don't think it was done with any malicious intent. I have purchased a couple of HL's from this seller and was satisfied with the deal.
If you need a Southeast Light at a decent price, this may be the piece for you, providing the bids don't go too high.
Bob