With respect to honing under running water, I dislike it for the ergonomic reasons you mentioned. Plus I don't want my fingers pruned/wrinkly from a prolonged honing session. I'd rather stay as dry as possible.

I've never experienced the amount of stickiness you and Dr. Matt describe, even under running water. I tend to presume a blade is done when a quick visual check with a loupe shows the edge has ceased improving, and the blade passes a shave test to my satisfaction. Sticking does give an indication the edge is about as polished as the stone will make it, but I don't just assume the work is done because the blade stuck a bit. That's also part of why I use oil, or soapy water/extra wet shave lather. Lubrication prevents that sticky feeling and allows the blade to glide across the hone freely.