I now use a product that no one has mentioned. After spending time and money just like everyone else I found a set of products that work for me. I have tried the power ball routine and liken it to going to the dentist. Take a look at the site:
http://store.alwaysshinywheelsandrv.com/category/aluminum-wheel-polish
This is three step process, for uncoated wheels, that initially takes about 30 minutes per wheel and, for me, does a great job. There is a wash, polish, and sealer. About half of the 30 minutes is letting the wash do its job. The wash removes all of the contaminates and leaves the wheel looking dull. The polish results is a shiny wheel such as the pictures shown on this thread. I have never worked so little and gotten such a good result. The polish process is, wipe it on, wait a few minutes and wipe it off. No scrub, buff or power ball required. Periodically I reapply the polish and sealer just as you would if waxing your car.
I am not pushing this product, just putting the info out there.