Ozzy ...
When Tim first contacted me with the proposal of becoming a beta tester, I was very reluctant based upon previous experiences with products like Quick Sliver. You’re right, they did dry, were difficult to remove and eventually degraded the sound. Total Contact is different ... in fact, apples and oranges.
If you remember, the first batch, which you had, had little black specks of graphene in it that could be seen by the naked eye. The second batch less so. The third and final formula that is for sale now, and what is presently used in my system and those of my friends, is a completely smooth blend that applies in a thin, even coating.
None of the versions, including the first one that you had, caused any dulling of highs in my system, but that could have been system related.
I would encourage you to try the final version of TC. Its an amazing product. I keep finding new contacts to paste and there is an improvement each time I do.
Frank