I too try to avoid polyoneverythane whenever I can. It is not as clear and is much more problematic to "finish the finish". The places where I will consider it is for surfaces that will get a fair amount of abuse and where appearence is not the prime objective. Everyday kitchen tables, toy chest for a child, tray on a high chair, are all candidates. In my opinion, poly varnish is not the all purpose finish that it is touted to be.

A standard interior (short oil) varnish is much to be preferred for toughness. Lacquer is still the best for real fine looks when you intend to rub it out. Padded shellac is an excellent finish for fine furniture and it is no the fragile finish many think. It's unfortunate that shellac has just about disappeared as a finish. Zinsser is in the "sealer" business now, not the shellac business.

Oh well, we soldier on and help where we can.