I prefer the simplicity of alcohol stoves too. In my travels I haven't had trouble finding denatured alcohol except in Canada, although we did end up finding a decent substitute. Although my cat can stove cannot control the flame, I usually make simple meals from dehydrated food.

The only time the cat can has been a pain to use was in Iceland when it was super windy. I ended up charring a picnic bench because the flame was blowing everywhere, even with a windscreen.

Efficiency isn't the most important factor for me. On a tour I like things that pack up small, that are light weight, that are reliable, and that are simple.