Thanks to everyone for all the posts and great advice! FWIW, I think I agree with JBHoren, though clearly to each his own (with this and so many other things in this art). Part of my rationale is that I'm a teacher and, for the next month or so, am still off for the summer. This allows me a lot of time to persist with my straight shaving technique. Also, I'm already starting to feel the RAD itch, and I think DE's would add a whole new level.

By the time school starts back and I have to start working the straight into a more strict morning routine, I should be in a place to better evaluate my need for "clean-up" as well as having a better idea of my average shave time with improved technique. For now, I'll continue to press on and use up my remaining cartridges on clean-up.

Things are going well with the str8, btw, getting better with every shave and having a blast. I'm sure that I will want to try the DE's (esp. as my RAD progresses), but I think I'll wait a little while. Thanks again for all the great advice!