I too got tired of CSM+B's tendency to turn into gunk after a couple weeks. I was making regular strength (1 TBLspoon/250 mL) and diluted (1/2 TBL/250) and I still got the crap...it also clogged up my liquidoser on a weekly basis so I switched to Tropica's stuff as well. Won't ever go back unless I lose my job (paycheck). Its definitely worth the price.

I don't have access to "free" HCL anymore (since finishing my grad degree) so I never had the chance to try that. I've always kept stuff refrigerated ever since I was making Rorison's for hydroponic experiments.