When I started doing my whole face with a straight, I cleaned up with a DE afterwards. These days I can get a BBS shave with a straight - on most days. On the days when for whatever reason that I just can't get it together, I still use a DE to cleanup - usually my chin, sides of adams apple, and upper lip. I don't really consider it a crutch, I consider it a way to get a close, comfortable, enjoyable shave; and that is what I'm after. Use a DE if you want to, do whatever it takes to get an enjoyable shave.