I have not actually stained anything, but have used the clear gels. I've been playing around with some different finishes to see what I like. Everytime I've used a gel, I 've gotten compliments on the finish. I have not heard much on the other finishes :0)
I know that Woodcraft is changing brands..they carried Bartleys, which I liked a lot. They are reducing the # of brands they are carrying and have switched to carry the American Finishes version of gel finish.
Cheers,
Chris