Haven't used row cleaners in 20+ years and won't be buying any either.  Too much erosion when we couple heavy rains with our soils that have a ridiculously slow water infiltration rate so all they do is clear a path for water to run and cut. 

As far as the planter set up, it's not necessarily the openers but the tube protectors.  Having new/good seed tube protectors is the key to keeping the blades in the proper relationship which serves 2 purposes - 1 is it keeps the 2 blades in the proper relationship minimizing blade flex which saves bearings from taking side load in which they aren't made for and 2 - it keeps the blade contact points in the optimal position allowing them to cut residue.  We've cut through 200+ corn stubble for beans and 70+ bu bean stubble for corn and have great placement and stands.  Corn runs 93% of drop and beans 90% +/- depending on germ.   We do have a longer growing season than many on here so I am aware that we may be dealing w/a bit less residue as it's already in the breaking down process.