It's possible the cloudiness didn't come out because you didn't use 180 but the only time I use that is if the OEM coating is very hard and not coming off with 320. I think you'll know when you get headlights with a really hard coating but you can check the thread here on the forum where people list cars they have found to be "harder than normal" to get an idea of some of the cars that technicians have had problems with.
Typically your last step, polishing with the 3000 polishing disc, is what takes away that last bit of cloudiness. It's extremely important to be patient with this step and even use an extra disc if you are not getting the desired results, although I don't typically find that necessary.
I like to go one step further and polish the headlights with
Delta Kits Premium Polishing Compound, part number 54315 , and a rotary polisher such as the
Makita model that we use in our shop, right before I apply Infinity 4.1. Most of our customers don't find this additional step necessary but it does take your end results to the next level. This is very important when only restoring a headlight on one side to match the look of a new one on the other side.
Yes, the Griots random orbital tool is designed to slow or even stop rotating if too much pressure is applied. This significantly minimizes swirl marks and prevents gouging. If you find the sanding process is taking too long you may need to use a courser disc but you should not increase the pressure. Just the pressure of the tool on the surface of the lens is all you need for superior results. Some technicians prefer a rotary sander or polisher such as the Makita mentioned above but most, myself included, find them too difficult to control and end up damaging the lens and/or surrounding surfaces when used for sanding. We've done extensive testing of dozens of different tools for sanding headlights and if used correctly the Griots tool is the best we've found to date for sanding.
Again, not everyone will agree with me on this but I have quite a selection of various electric and air tools that I have tried but the Griots random orbit is my favorite for sanding and the Makita is my favorite for polishing with a liquid polish.
Every step of the sanding process is important for the best possible results so it’s important not to skip steps or to rush steps until you are getting the desired results. Once you are achieving great results consistently you can start experimenting but I follow the exact same procedure every time with the exception of sometimes starting with 320 and for really tough coatings starting with 180.