Hello Sirwazzles, welcome. It seems everything has been covered, i.e. blade shave readiness, stropping, pressure, cream, etc, though if you're getting red blotchy marks I'd say you're pressing too hard. You really shouldn't press at all, really. Well, maybe a TAD, but only just. It also sounds like your prep may be not quite right. Make the lather straight after the shower; and make sure it's nice and 'spongy', too much water and it won't provide the cushion you need. Also, short strokes, don't try and shave the whole face in like 5 strokes or anything, the short strokes should overlap slightly.
BTW, in one of your posts you mention a job interview. On a personal advice note, it may be a good idea to shave with your 'normal' method prior to attending an interview; you don't want to sit there bleeding or looking splotchy or anything :-)
Carl