I would say that if someone gets smoother shaves from a DE than a straight, then the difference probably exists in how the straight razor is being manipulated on the face. The De is essentially a mechanism that manages that experience, but with the straight razor it is all up to the operator. Technique improvement may solve the problem. A 30 degree angle is fine in some area and some cases but not in all. Finding the right angle for the right areas is all a matter of time and experience. We mention little or no pressure here all the time, but I don't think that has really been mastered until you can shave under the nose at a 90 degree angle. It sounds horrible, but no pressure means no cuts, no nicks, no irritation. Once you get the feeling of shaving with just the weight of the blade or even less, things will improve. But even that will take a considerable amount of practice.