My take on the PPF is that they are of a different kind of 'protection'. I have to admit (and totally agree) they do provide far better protection for the paint against scratches, *small* stone chips, physical abuse, etc. But it's like having a screen protector on your smartphone screen. You'd need to sacrifice the crisps, clear, glossy, shiny, depth, etc. look of the original and well detailed paintwork.
I had the VentureShield on the front portion of my car once (after polishing, of course), didn't differ as much right after installation. But after a while (actuall...around 1 year ++), the difference/contrast in appearance got more and more obvious with the VS area looking slightly hazy and the gloss is just kinda 'muted'. It looks as if there's a layer of 'translucent' film as oppose to a 'clear' film. Although there's no sign of any 'strike through' by stone/sand/grit/etc. but I can see all sort of damages to the film (swirls, water marks, insect-remains etchings, etc.). Took it off some times afterwards.
I guess it's back to personal preferences again. 4k can get a decent quality re-paint, that amount can also get the whole car PPF-ed or detailed with a good quality coating applied. All three have their own strengths and weaknesses, pros and cons, etc. Pair that with the $$$$ you're willing to spend and you'd need to weight it down to your own preferences and financial capabilities.
*IF* I have the $$$$, I would go for a re-paint with some good quality high solid paint, then get it properly detailed, put on a layer of good quality PPF and slap on a layer of good quality coating to finish it off. But, for us mere mortals, we can only dream.....