I've never heard of anyone using gel and it not shining. Did you use Meguiar's? I know that shines really nice, but I don't know about other gels. I can't use anything you spray on (foam) because my rims look like shit when the stuff gets on there and when I try to wipe it off they look dull instead of bling.

Here are two pics, one from the day and one at night with the Meguiar's Gel. Tire's are blinging.





I rest my case.