Its my experience that quite often the so-called "experts" actually dont have any idea what they're talking about..! I've asked several barbers here in London about various things, and the advice I have been given has varied from accurate to the misleading to the downright nonsensical!

Make your lather however you feel like, theres no right or wrong way, just whatever results in a good lather for you. If a circular motion works, do that. If you like to paint the lather on, do that. Whatever gives you the lather you need!

As to sharpening on a belt machine and stropping everyday on CrOx, arent you glad you're one of the enlightened members of this forum..! Anyone who did that would quickly find that their razor was ruined by the belt machine or dulled by the overuse of CrOx.

I'd take the advice of forum members here over 99.999% of the advice I'd get in a store. The reason being that members here are passionate about the topic and have years of experience in the field. To the guys in the stores its basically just a job, with very few exceptions. Dont get me wrong, there are barbers and shopkeepers out there who know their stuff, who can hone, lather and shave and give accurate advice. But there are also those who dont and who will give you the wrong advice.