I routinely process modern films (TMX, Delta 100 & 400 and Acros) in my catechol/glycin formula, often requiring extreme compensation for my NYC night shots. By diluting the developer to 1/4 its strength and drastically reducing agitation, I've achieved N-6 (really!) with modern films and without streaks or mottling. I typically agitate (4x5 in trays or slosher-type holder) for one minute initially, then increase my interval as processing time goes on; a typical sequence is 15 sec. agitation @ 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5 .... As you might imagine, this requires conserable patience, since my developing times for N-4 to N-6 range from 30 to 45 minutes.(posted 8163 days ago)I use a rotary processor for N-1, N and N+ processing, and I have not seen any significant difference in acutance, grain or compensation when I use a more dilute developer. I believe the only way to achieve significant compensation is by reduced agitation in dilute developers.
Obviously, some films and developers are more prone to streaking than others. Catechol and glycin formulas, whether combined or separate, seem to be quite resistant to streaking. But I've also used Gainer's vit-C formula in similar fashion for N-2 to N-3 and the results were very good. I don't have data to back this up, but my guess is since both my fomula and Gainer's have little or no sulfite, low sulfite formulas may be a factor in limiting streaking with severely reduced agitation.