I've listened to the all 3 of the songs, and here's my gut reaction....
1. That's a sticky question. It depends on where the 17k went....if it only paid for studio time, then no, I don't think you over-paid. If most of it went to a producer, then yes, it was too expensive.
2. Yes, a bit cold sounding
3. "Has been", I dunno. "Has" this sound ever "been" the norm?
4. I thought track 2 was a good song, with good hooks man. All 3 of the songs were good in their own right, but the arrangements could have been tightened up, most especially track 1.
My overall impression was: "this is a band who has invested time into their craft, and shows a bit of promise, but is still searching for who they are"
Don't be discouraged by my words, use them for motivation.