It's good news you got some mistakes out of the way on some cheaper gear. I think you might still benefit from watching some videos on this site and YouTube.

Sounds like you have already worked this out, but never lift the spine when you are honing or stropping. If the blade edge is touching, the spine must be touching too. Razors aren't simple knives and you can't sharpen them as if they were.

There's no need to use the whole length of the hone. Going up to the last few mm is just too risky, and certainly doesn't help you relax and get into the flow.

Well done on the progress, keep it up.