The biggest problem with microfiber or microsuede is that no matter what you do, there will be fibers going in different directions which give you nap distortion. This can look like a stain, but it's really just the way the light hits the fibers. Some people don't mind that, while others are driven up the wall with it. Sounds like you have one of each in your marriage!
I work for Fiber-Seal, and we have a protection product that is sprayed on after the purchase. You get a 12-month service contract, so if the dog drools on the sofa in a particular spot, or if the kids drop pizza on a cushion, we'll come out and clean the spot and reprotect it for free. Microfiber actually cleans up really well, if you can get past the nap distortion.
If you want to contact me with the specifics of the sofa, I can let you know our professional experience with it. My email is ____@____.com luck!