I've been using my Frank Shaving finest badger brush off of ebay for a few weeks now, and just like you said I do in fact feel like a regular pro at making lather now. I also just got in a tub of CarrieM's lime shaving cream and am extremely impressed with the lather and increased cushion. I've even started the lather with a few swirls on the VDH and then added the cream, which produced very very comfortable and delicious smelling lather as well.
I've got a few samples from mama bear's as well that I can't wait to try. I've got the lemon ice sample that I think might make a very good smelling lather with CarrieM's lime cream. It will be almost like a tingly lemon-lime. I'll call it.... Sprite lather!
Peace,
Conor