Haha yeah! I find that with the roller too on smaller records (I find 10” almost impossible to do) but not with 12”. I do pour a fair bit of water over both the rollers and the brushes whilst filling and maybe the lubrication helps.
It was another forumer who put me onto Halfords and I absolutely agree paying more than is entirely necessary for what is in effect water with the minerals taken out is insane! We’re not running a chemistry lab here!
for the sleeves I order from the US from a company called sleeve city. They’re the best for my money. I wait for a 15% off deal on here (they often come around) and order like 400 a go. They work out more than the mofi by the time I add on shipping and customs but I like them and it’s a once a year/18 months kinda thing.