I am so glad you enjoy your Crestie so much now all I have to do is convince you to get something else
As far as color change and firing up, they do change color from hatchling to adult and firing up well depends, it can happen for the slightest reasons such as spraying, evening time etc.
As much as I prefer bright snakes, when it comes to geckos I like them on the dark side, just like him.