Azure Map Reference Layer vs Bubble order bug

I had a similiar problem, but it was with the column layer + reference layer instead. My workaround was to format the Azure Map visual layer position. In my column case, I went to Format > 3D column layer > Options > Layer position, and changed the option to "Above labels" (it was previously "Below layers"). 

This somehow changes how the rendering is done. For reasons I don't understand, it seems to think " WAIT, I have to wait for the labels to render before I render the columns", and that prevents the reference layer from overshadowing everything else?

There's obvious tradeoffs for this, such as the labels being blocked by whatever massive columns/bubbles you have, but I found the transparent reference map overlay uglier. That's my experience anyways so far, I don't know if the same will happen for you.