The Christmas gift

For Christmas, one of my gifts from the hubs was a pair of these CW-X 3/4 stabilyx tights (no pink on mine, though). Fancy. Far more of a pair of tights than I ever thought I'd need as the amateur runner that I am. But Bryce said that according to reviews, they were the best. Less soreness, less joint issues, all that good stuff.

I considered keeping them. If they had such rave reviews, maybe I'd fall in love with them, too, and have a new pair of favorite running tights. That is, if they fit. Which they so.did.not. I looked at the sizing chart a few times just to make sure. On the packaging, it even tells you how to put them on - the fit should be snug and the diamond should go right on your kneecap. The size that Bryce bought should have been perfect. If anything, he erred on the side of possibly too big. Let's just say that "snug" was an understatement. 

So let me ask you...is it worth it to go for the bigger size? Have you ever tried the CW-X tights and are they amazing? Are they supposed to be really really really snug? Worth it for an amateur? Other good brands out there that you like better?

Thanks for the help!