I find the stans stuff works pretty well. I have used it with tubeless rims and regular rims with the conversion strip. With both tubeless tires and regular tires.
When I did regular tires, I used the conversion strip for tight seal. They took 2 weeks to seal, and that was with leaving them off the bike and rocking them twice a day. Most people don't have the patience for that, but if you're really into weight saving, it can be done.
I have found that some tires are harder to get on and off. Not sure if it was old stans balls compromising the system. I try to clean them up when changing them now. Having some sort of compressor helps too. I can't always get it with just a pump.
IMO, the grippyness and traction you get, plus eliminating most pinch flats, out weighs any maintenance issues. I know I am setting myself up for a jinx, but I have only flatted once in the 4 years of using them, and that was a ripped sidewall on an old python light.
If you are looking to do it on a budget, I think the stans solution is some sort of artist (latex?)modeling solution deluted. A friend of mine makes his own and adds water, windex and a dash of slime.
Ride on flat free!
pixy