"The main downside for clear laminates over the surface is that you inevitably get some hazing."
Only tends to be a problem when the materials are cold, if the paper isn't smooth, or a matt laminate is used. And dust only becomes an issue if your workspace isn't spotless. Hot rollers will help the laminate conform to the texture of the paper, but will
Never tried one of those manual laminators - jumped straight to a motorised one, but watching how the guy at Zenith works, he almost certainly has hundreds, if not thousands of hours experience, and so makes things look remarkably easy. Which, just like dentistry, it is, if you know what you are doing.
I'd not go with the wrapped long ruler, for fear of scratching the surface of the print.