Interesting! I also got mine this morning and I also only had 2 red balls! At first I was upset, but after applying them I agree with you I really don't think it will matter. It just imparts a very subtle warmth. I would have to grab a ball and rub it on my face to get any noticeable color on my skin (LOL).
But what you're saying about the difference between this one and Dore now has me wondering if I also "need" Dore. Dore was what I was going to get until I heard d'Etoile was coming out so I decided to try this one. I'm happy with warmth but brightening is also good