I'm no Mequiars expert, but I'm pretty sure both the #7 and #9 are non abrasives. So you probably mostly filled up the swirls instead of removing them.
Also I don't know what pads you used, so I can't comment on those.
With all the brands, there is no more real color standard.
What you want to do is get a finishing pad and some finishing polish to get a nice finish.
I use mostly M205, but look here for options:
http://www.detailersdomain.com/finishingpolishes_1.aspx
Before you do any finishing, I would get another swirl remover that does have some good abrasives and combine it with a light cutting pad.
Adam's Swirl & Haze Remover is pretty good. But again there are more options, also if you have some heavier swirls you can step it up to their severe swirl remover. The reason I'm advising Adam's here, is because they are pretty mild polishes, that can still get the job done.