I've been able to get them to conform with a liberal dose of Microsol and a bit of heat. I use a small bathroom heater instead of a hair dryer, it doesn't get quite as hot and doesn't blow as hard either. As for the clear coat, I usually use Model Master Clear lacquer (silver wrapper with purple stripe). I don't think it's quite as hot as the new formula lacquers. It did attack decals once though, and it was a LMM kit so Future may be your safest option.
Mike