I see. So according to you, cheap non-universal dimmer style phase control will work fine on:
L ballasted flourescent lights electronic ballasted fluorescent lights CFLs motors (need full power start or only limited power reduction) sodium lights mercury lights heaters (you can use it here, but zero crossing makes a lot more sense)
Since the OP wants a universal dimmer, even to cover just lights one needs more than triac style phase control, never mind for other loads.
NT