I use the roller bottle too with Elmers. Best tip I ever gotten from a poster here a few years ago.
I never had a problem with it being hard, sticky, or messy. I hope I am a little bit better using it then a kindergartener. After basting I steam press the sandwich. Glue is even and no bumps and certainly no hard spots. I don't have to wash the quilt when finished quilting but I usually do.