They're supposed to be much better, but I've not tried the other forms. I've also experienced gut upset on CM, but I seem to be fine if I dilute it sufficiently (one serving in a litre of water, rather than one serving to a glass) and it also helps if the water is slightly warm (though not too warm, which apparently harms the creatine- no idea is that is true).

I've always used "micronized" versions of creatine monohydrate and have never experienced any gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, rather than using a "loading phase" (15-25gms a day for a week then 5-10gms a day for remainder of cycle), I stick to the maintenance dose (5-10gms a day for entire cycle) and allow my serum levels to gradually build up over a few weeks time.

To the point of creatine not being "real food" no one is implying that you MUST supplement with creatine. Creatine is found in relatively large amounts in red meat and studies have shown that dietary intake does affect serum levels in the body (Reference: "measured serum and erythrocyte creatine content, and estimated muscle creatine content, are lower in vegetarians".) So, by eating a red-meat heavy diet (like many here do) you may benefit from additional creatine w/o direct supplementation.

Supplementation does work, however, and it is one of the few ergogenic aids that have been studied for decades and has a proven track record for safety and efficacy.

I thought the point of Paleo was to eat real food?

Swanson vitamins sells pure creatine and it is about 20$/kg. I have liked it. My old roomate who is a 2x olympian used it as well.

Back when I used it, Creatine Monohydrate made me feel bloated. Creatine Ethyl Ester did not.

I personally use: http://www.creapure.com/ and never had stomach problems as I have had with other brands. In the UK you can purchase it through http://www.myprotein.com.