You are correct about the "cushion", that's what helps prevent irritation and make the whiskers stick up so you can shave them down.
I have tried only a handful of creams and soaps myself. I mostly use Bigelow mixed on a puck of Van der Hagen in my shaving mug for a really nice lather. Of course I will not dispute the fact that there are an infinite number of awesome creams and soaps out there to try; no matter what YMMV.