Digital BW, The Print

I now have OPM working pretty well, and I must say I'm impressed.
I'm using an Epson 2200 with stock UltraChrome inks to print on
Epson Enhanced Matte and Semi-Gloss papers.  The results look very
nice on the EEM and ok (except for some bronzing) on the ESG.

I tried Kamar Varnish on the ESG and it still looks kinda weird
(kinda "crackled").

So I'm thinking of going with Ilford Smooth Pearl, which is
recommended (here) as working very nicely with the Kamar Varnish.

But I'm also tempted by Paul Roark's reports of coating EEM
with PUR Hydrocote and a Mayer wire-wound rod.

Any recommendations as to the pro's and con's of these two 
approaches, or suggested alternatives (given that I want to
stick with OPM/IJC and UltraChromes, at least for now) ?

Thanks, John