My current progression is as follows:

DMT extra fine
DMT extra extra fine
Chinese 12K
Chrome Oxide on Newspaper
Newspaper

I seem to be doing OK with this, but think I could improve it yet.

The jump between the DMT's seems big. I spend more time on the 8K than I think I should. Maybe I need something between these.

The Chinese 12K seems slow at polishing and I wonder if there is something that might do a better job.

I have been researching the forum and have become thoroughly confused.

Here are the options I am looking at:

for between the DMT's:

Tom O'Shanter
Naniwa SS 3000
Naniwa SS 5000
Belgian Blue

After DMT 8000
Kitayama 8000
Nakayama 8000
Belgian Coticule
Belgian Blue/coticule combination
Swaty
MST Thuringian
Apex Thuringian

Advice?