Hey Dave, I have been trying to slow down on the aluminum polishing as I am getting tired of being black with aluminum dust/ polish. More and more concentrating on interiors and paint polishing. Your info that you give and given here is worth more than the price of gold!
Prep of the surface for any sealant is always the most important step. I have used Power Lock many times with great success. I will add to this thread with this link: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/60869-menzerna-powerlock-little-test.html
Give PS 21 wheel gel a try, safe for all kinds of wheels. Let it dwell for up to two hours for stubborn dirt. If that doesn't work go for the PS 21 polishing soap, if they are still there then use a liquid white metal polish and a cotton cloth. Extreme cases will be on need of the liquid polish...
Depending on where these marks are they could be rock chips but you described clear coat peeling off your bumper and roof. Take this to a reputable paint shop that you trust and have them look at this. It may be a case that the entire car may have clear coat bonding issues.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/64352-shop-light.html
Here is where I have posted pictures before. If a guy painted the stand it would look better.
I made an adjustable rolling work lamp out of junk material and two t-8 fluorescent lights. Works great at finding swirls and by being adjustable I can go high for doing roofs and low for side panels. Wired in an extension cord and made a shelf to keep all my supplies for the job I am working on.
For anyone that is serious about detailing in a "hot" environment this is the unit that is needed! You got it all in a very well setup stand alone system. There is got to be a buyer out there, they just haven't seen it yet. Maybe advertise it that you will take all the decals off that they do...
Keep reading and by the end of the month you will be able to do this yourself. Take the cash you were going to spend and pump it into the proper tools. Coatings are all in the prep work as others have said.
I use two Werner platforms side by side. This seems to be enough length so you can finish one whole side without getting up and down to move the platform along. Then move the platforms to the other side of the vehicle and do the same.