Of course the feel when honing is slightly changing during the session.
It of course differs from blade to blade, too.
I wouldn´t take my idea of lapping too serious. It´s just *me*.
It may very well be, like you said, much ado about nothing.

As long as the stone is flat and ungouged you´re good.
It´s just my personal goal to keep the stones clean and appealing all the time,
as they did cost a lot of money, so scratched stone surfaces are a no no for me

I like my stuff clean and appealing. This way I really enjoy things.
Having fun and enjoying yourself while honing is the key to an environment
that makes learning very easy