Thats a tough one, I can't believe that happened to your figures.
I have to tell you that I personally don't like the look of Modge Podge over the entire figure as much, I've tried it and in my opinion its not quite as clean of a look. Here is what I'd do. I would recommend getting some model masters flat black or the flat black from Miggle (two high quality paints). Secondly do a quick test run with a figure, take an old Miggle fab 5 slap a couple of the paint colors on it (such as black up against white which I think are the colors of your team) and then clear coat (again, I've never had any problems with Delta Ceramcoat and it is very durable and the look is nice). For you final figures, you could clearcoat before decalling to seal the paint, and then after decalling to seal the decals. I've seen this recommended by Beenut and others before.
This is so weird, I've use the solvaset and everything and never had anything like this happen. I usually use model masters paints, but I do use a deltaceramcoat paint for the colors of the football and for a couple skin tones. The Miggle paints are great too, I just tried it on those Cowboys I recently posted and on a prototype Bears and the paint is smooth and covers great. It also mentions that it has a sealer so maybe it is more durable too (don't know, just know it works well with delta ceramcoat).
Regards,
Joe