As an encouraging update, today I Stropped the same razor after making a super lather with MWF, a touch of Proraso white cream, and a few drops of glycerin. I really worked it in a mug, instead of on my face, washed my face really soaking wet with Dove soap, rinsed well, lathered, rubbed it in with my fingers, covered it with a hot towel, Relathered after wetting down again, and did 3 passes WTG, XTG and clean-up scything and diagonal.

result: smooth, combo of BBS and DFS all over. Hallelujah!

This for me verifies that prep is a key component that can't be short-changed!