To the point u made earlier make sure u have process dialed in when using the rotary or invest in a good da polisher/pads before starting on the cars u have lined up.
As far as the compound it may not have needed however the holograms could have been caused at any point in the process
I am in same boat, but from what i have read the LGM Bissell Pro Heat seems to be the cheaper alternative. Not going to stand up the Mytee or Aztec, but will get the job done.
What has worked for me in the past is Folex as a pre-treatment and carpet brush.
With the expected riding i would recommend the hybrid bike... built for all around conditions. more importantly the tires used on the hybrid make for an easier/smoother ride. something else to keep in mind is shock travel is not as important with the riding you guys will be doing. in some ways...
make sure you are happy with the test spot you have started before moving on... you know with the gray pad it is the polish doing most of the work. if that does not produce the results you are looking for move up to a white pad.