I'm not a seasoned brush maker - but I am a seasoned user of over 50 years and I really can't believe anyone could contemplate not using circular motions when soap loading or when face lathering. I have used badger brushes for a big part of those 50 years and, apart from the odd one which shed because of a poor knot construction, I've never experienced broken tips or any other signs of undue wear.

It was said earlier, it's a tool for use. Let's not be too precious with our tools.