When gluing I use silica, when fairing I use microballoons. Both can be bought in very large (50 litre or more) packs for about $150. I buy a new pack every few years. I stay away from WEST - my wallet and WEST stuff are mutually exclusive. If someone else is paying then WEST fairing compound (Microlight) is great.
I sometimes add a little microballoons to a large cove when gluing as it spreads better, but it is lower strength. The only time I glue with microballoons is when I am gluing cedar strips or foam together - it has more strength than cross grain cedar or any foam.
This for fairing - I am out to use some and make some filler right after I write this for my little 7.3metre cat - fine stuff to use but it does fluff up a bit - wear a mask - always wear a mask (but especially with the silica!)
trojanfibreglass.com.au/product/q-cel-hollow-microspheres/