I can buy that shaking doesn't mix as well as using a mixer. Although I use a couple of agitators in the bottle, and I haven't seen the difference between that and using a toothpick or something. Also, with my clumsy hands the Badger would definetly knock over the paint bottle
. The Badger is also cheaper, if that is any consideration. With the paints that I use most (Vallejo), the Badger wouldn't work in the eyedropper bottles.
Anyway, the real upshot is since I started using a powered mixer, I haven't had any problems with streaks in my paint. And, if I take them down every month or so and shake 'em, they seem to last a little longer.
(BTW--MikeV, I'd never take any you said as a flame--you've done nothing but be helpful in these forums)
HTH,
Dan