I tried the jointing thing many times and never found it beneficial. Maybe different honers with a different fist might benefit from it. As for edge leading only, half lap sets on a side, sure that works fine. I use back and forth simply because it takes off the steel faster, not because it makes for a better edge. For making the best edge for the least hone action, one-way half laps probably are slightly more efficient, in large partly for the reasons you state.