Now I can answer my own question and put some closure to the 285 vs 295 on an 18X10 wheel, discussion.
I had a BFG in a 295/35/18 in the rear and went to a Toyo Falcan 285/35/18 because they were about $250 cheaper (for a set of 4) than the least expensive 295 (Khumo). The answer to my question is yes you CAN notice the difference. The tire does not however look stretched on the 18X10 wheel in a 285 (as I feared it might), but I do prefer the 295 look. Is this difference worth about $175 (for the rear tires) more that you end up paying for the 295 than the 285??....Im not sure it is. At least not on my budget.
One more thing to note. The Falcan tire I purchased are 265s in the front, as were the BFGS, and they look a little more stretched despite the fact they they are the same dimension. Thus it seems the look of the tire (bulkness on wheel) is also a function of the brand of tire itself....interesting.