I didn't read the whole thread, so apologies for repeating anything that has been said already. Here's my take:

I have a Trangia 27 set with the alcohol burner that came with it. Simmer ring and all. It has served me well. At first I used normal PET soda bottles (with the soda texts taped over) for fuel but bought the dedicated fuel bottle for one non-solo trip, to reduce the risk of an unsuspecting touring companion taking a sip out of my fuel bottle. The dedicated Trangia fuel bottle is marginally easier to operate, but no big difference there.

The simmer ring is cumbersome but it works. Having three hands would help. This is one of the reasons I sprung for the Trangia "butane" burner, so now I have both. The butane burner is faster and easier to control - and noisy beyond belief, at least when compared to the completely silent alcohol burner. It also doesn't work well, sometimes not at all, in winter, unless you carry the fuel canister close to body. I've seen people heat up their fuel canisters with candle flame. A bit too hardcore for me.

The alcohol burner tends to get more use, mainly because I really prefer peace and quiet when I'm in the forest. I'd be OK using the butane burner in a camping area, or roadside stop, but in the woods it seems just so wrong.

--J