Well, call it 'odd' if you wish. I guess, being as new to this as I am, I don't have your gift of being able to tell, intuitively, or through gift of mastery, if it is or ain't ready. It helps me to see it this way. You're welcome to accept or dismiss it as you see best, for you.
My preference is to learn to hone only on the natural stones and things aren't so black and white..
Having said that, your method seems way too 'loose' for me. Clearly, I lack your intuition.