Elaborate on "mixed results". The method in the manual is the only correct method. Each brand or tape type needs proper bias calibration. If that doesn't work for you, try doing it by ear.

Maybe the better question is what are the better tape brands, types I, II or IV, and tape length? I seem to get good results with Denon MG-X 100 but only have a limited supply.

I haven't bought cassette tape in a long while, but I always used to use TDK SA series 90-min high bias tape. I would think any quality high bias tape should work well. If I remember correctly back in the day, tapes longer than 90-min were thinner and that could be cause for problems.