The different tones look to be where you have gloss still around the runs and then flatted paint around that.
The paint tone always looks different when it's flatted like on the bonnet pic I posted yesterday.
I would only recommend clearcoating the paint if it is even and you haven't started to break through the paint in places otherwise it won't look any better.
If you are going to end up clearcoating it after having a go at polishing, then I would say not to flat it with 2000 in preparation.
Instead use a grey scotchbrite https://www.amazon.c...ey scotch brite and some prep/blend paste https://www.schollco...atting_compound
To use these, wet the scotchbrite in a bucket of water, apply paste to the scotchbrite and then scrub the paintwork like you are washing the car all over and then wipe clean with a wet chamois and then dry.
Nice quick through and easy way of prepping the paint without the risk of breaking through