I always thought the same thing, wheel cleaners =Bad.
But I have been doing my own little test on my latest car.
For the last two years I have used AZ at least 2 times a week, sometimes as much as 4 times per week, BMW brakes make a ton of dust as you all know.
I have to say after what I myself decribe as excessive use of AZ I have no clear coat damage in fact they look as good as a new wheel I purchased recently, no sign of any damage at all.
Maybe thats a sign of a well made wheel or that the product is not as bad as we all thought, im not sure.
On the flip side my girls 2002 Honda came with Chrome wheels and while I dont clean them anywhere near as often they are peeling and look kinda of bad by autotopian standards I use the AZ designed for chrome wheels on them.
I have never been able to get my wheels anywhere near as clean with just car wash soap as I do with AZ, especialy the tires themselves. I suppose if I was in this professionaly cost would be a factor but for me as a hobbyist I find AZ to be incredibly safe and cheap too.
I now use very little product, always on cool rims and spray the wheel and then use a soft dollar store sponge to spread and get into the nooks. a strong rinse afterwards reveals a spotless rim. I have used Klasse or Zaino on my rims and I suppose that has helped?
I will have to try the APC though, it could save a lot of money but I will try for that reason not fear of damage.