Hey guys, a couple of answers for you. Please let me know if I don't answer them all and I'll get right back to you:
1 - those pics do have clear and it is a gloss clear. Though the pictures wash out some of the gloss, it is a glossy finish in person. That said, it is definitely not too glossy. I know exactly what you mean when you say you don't want it to be blindingly distracting, but I didn't find it that way at all - and so far no one else that has seen them has either. The sheen is very nice.
2 - The automotive supply guy is absolutely correct when he says matte is more expensive. It's because you actually have to mix a couple of different materials to get the matte finish. Not hard to do, but uses more "stuff". I do this for my arcade machines and they are all a matte/satin finish (depending on choice). Pinballs I typically clear in gloss. Though they didn't come this way, I have never had anyone say - "I wish that was matte"
3 - I only get my supplies from an auto-paint supply place, but I do know of others who get theirs from Auto-Zone, Advance, etc. I get mine from a specialty store because I know I am getting the right stuff and it is compatible. Trust me - it is way cheaper than having rework because the materials were crap.
4 - I DO reduce my clear SOMETIMES. It is entirely dependent on the material. Most clears WILL NOT call for reducing in the spec sheet. It is usually a ratio of clear to activator (catalyst). I only use reducer when I need it. How do you know you need it? Once you get used to spraying a cab, the you can tell when the material is not spraying properly and needs to be thinned (often this is seen as the gun "spitting")
5 - It isn't cheap - as has been mentioned before. The red in those FG pictures alone was $160 for a half gallon. Red is THE most expensive pigment. And that doesn't include the black, gold, and clear...But...and there is always a but...you absolutely cannot beat the outcome.If you plan on doing several cabs, you can usually negotiate a rate with the auto supply place. Or you could trade. A Galaga, for example, can get you a lot of paint
6 - Plus one on the latex comment. Though I don't use it, I HAVE used it. If that is what you can afford, I say go ahead. Our machines are not in arcades where they get lots of abuse. They are generally babied, comparatively. That said, SPRAY it - DO NOT ROLL IT. That might upset some by saying that, but in the end - it usually doesn't come out all that well. And yes, if you spray latex, you will have to reduce it (with water) and it will generally require a larger size tip than what comes with your standard harbor freight gun. Drying times, depending on humidity, etc, are about an hour per coat. You'll need two to three good coats (depending on color). Then you will likely have to wait at least a couple of days between stencils/colors.
Hope this helps.
Cheers!