You’re not alone—matching caulk is one of those things that looks easy on paper but rarely goes as planned. I’ve tried the clear stuff a couple times. It’s decent, but in my experience, it can yellow or get cloudy over time, especially if the area gets a lot of sun or moisture. Eco-friendly silicones are improving, though. They tend to hold up pretty well now, just make sure you check for mold resistance on the label. At the end of the day, yeah, a “patchwork” seam is way better than a hidden leak turning into a real headache later.
Honestly, I’ve seen more botched caulk jobs than I can count—folks get hung up on the color and forget about the function. I’d rather see a mismatched bead that actually seals than a perfect match that leaks. That yellowing clear stuff is the worst, especially in older bathrooms. If you want it to last, don’t cheap out on the tube... trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.