Well it has been a whole month since borates were added to 70 ppm.

Here are the results:

The pool is very clear.
No algae but then I shocked the living daylights out of it.
pH increases slowly rising from 7.4 to 7.6 every 4th to 5th day, compared to daily or at best every second day.
Chlorine usage has dropped by 1/3rd, it is maintained at 6 on the high end, to 4 on the low.
Adding the "Yellow Stuff" has helped remove the yellowish stains, albeit very slowly. Will add as directed every 60 days. This it seems is a long slow process.

Any results Chemgeek on your trial with "Jack's stuff", reference post

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=2771 ?

So borates definetly help with clarity, lower muriatic acid usage, and lower chlorine usage. Walmart has downgraded my Platinum status to Peasant, as I now no longer shop there as often. But my wallet is a lot happier.

Hope this helps.

Aloha and thank you all for your kind help.