If you go to a highly pigmented primer, you lose your ability to be moisture resistant. You probably could add more titanium dioxide, but that would add three to five dollars to the cost, and it's not something you need on every job. As long as manufactures are working on clears, Michael Keith would like them to give some attention to eliminating the residue those products tend to leave behind. Matranga suggested contractors work on their technique, since technology isn't likely to help them with this problem. Cleanup will always be an issue since most adhesives are starch-based, and I don't see the industry going in a direction other than starches.
Clears are by no means replacing clays, though.
There are different whiteners and lighter colored clay, but they're very costly. Because of the competitive nature of adhesives, it might cost 30 to 40 percent more. If there are problems out there, I haven't heard of them. But for every manufacturer who just doesn't get it, there are many others who address contractors' concerns daily in the sincere interest of making a better product. Brian Santos's above comments concerning tapping contractor knowledge apply to some manufacturers, but others have invited contractors to tour their facilities and evaluate products prior to marketing.