Oh well, transparency is tricky... And your ambition level is fairly high
You may be right that your graphics driver/card is playing tricks on you. I seem to remember that Puybaret suggested something to that effect when a model of mine behaved strangely. If you post the unsuccessful file, maybe someone else is willing to try it on different configurations.
Frosted glass, however, should be possible. If you look at the stained glass at the origin of this thread (linked above), it behaves reasonably well in different rendering and light situations.
Please post if you (or someone else) succeed - and I shall keep your issue in mind when I next need something transparent. Good luck.
ok
