Thanks for the detailed post, I will consider this.there's a couple. If using TCUT you can just use the original white one or go for a colour match, it really makes no odds as you're literally taking off a fraction of the laquer and probably use a colour wax. However, I generally in the past have used Maguires Ultimate Compound Colour/Restore which does the same as TCUT but I love Maguires products. It works and will take things out of paint. if you want to do a good job and get the paint as good as can without a proper paint correction; 1). Wash Car by hand 2). Dry car by hand 3). You can clay the whole car yourself (using pads is easy) or just jump straight to 4). use Maguires Ultimate on the whole car and take your time and then buff off and finally 5). Maguires Wax or any wax of your taste. Job done.
if you use glay bar/pads, you'll be amazed at the crap that comes off your "clean" paint... seriously I clayed a black Saab years ago and wow... was like glass the finish. The decision should be, once washed, run your finget tips over the paint. is it like glass or can you feel roughness? if rough, you should clay as this is crap bonded to your paint!
All depends how far you wanna go fella. it's just hard work but can be done cheaply!!!