My first-morning urine pH readings aren't consistent, so I'm going to give up.

Wide variation in first-morning urine pH readings indicates that at times you have sufficient buffering alkaline mineral reserves and other times you do not. For most people it takes some time to build alkaline reserves and fully rebalance body pH. The health benefits are numerous, so if you are struggling for consistency, increase your mineral intake from diet and high quality supplementation. Increasing high potassium foods and adding  Alkalini C, Ionized Magnesium, or Alkalizing Minerals should do the trick.