Bentonite seems to only work about half the time, if that often.

Why shouldn't it work? Clay is clay whether it is packed from the front or the back...yes the water pressure does work against you on the back side but that pressure should be significantly reduced by the front side clay.
You may be right...but like I said it seems to be working. No visible leaks now for a week and I'm still packing the clay to it....and getting a larger pond in the process.

Why won't it work?