While I've been focused on jnats, I've acquired a couple of coticules. I've poured over the coticule.be site and have begun to work with 1 coticule, trying to produce the the silky smooth edges many who swear by coticules can achieve. At this point in my early explorations, I have been able to get an edge that shaves, but not that silky smooth edge.

Can you more experienced honers chip in with your experiences, techniques and tips to use a coticule? Is the BBW side of use as a finisher, or perhaps a pre finisher?
Some have found success with the dilocut method, others the unicot method and still others using the coticule under running water only. Of course I'll try it all and form my own opinions, but any information which can improve my technique is appreciated.

As an aside, using half strokes in the finishing process is something I currently do not employ, though Alex Gilmore and the coticule.be experts do use that method. Any clarity and experiences using half strokes during the finishing process are also appreciated.