Jan, I think they just came out with a smaller Staytion for 2020 and Wendy said in one of her Creativation classes that there were some improvements made. I bet it addresses that problem. I will see if I can find the video clip (it wasn't a great video so I didn't watch the whole thing but I think I remember who made it).
Have you seen Tim demo the rainbow alcohol inking technique, credited to Jennifer McGuire? I hadn't seen that done before. So cool!
https://youtu.be/LCXZV4ukcg4 . I love at the very end how if you turn the inked piece in the opposite direction, you get mountains.
I still love watching the distress glazes ... but yes, I think you can make translucent layers with other products. We did have to let the faux beeswax dry ... EP gives almost instant gratification! I will probably try to restrain myself!
Our local store owner showed some cute/quirky Paper Artsy stamps and stencils ... I will link to her Facebook page.