I am Person who is against the grain shaving.
In fact i used to shave ATG every single time for almost2 years
This is what happen to me. i am not sure you will have similar case or not?
when i start to use straight razor's i never had properly honed blade.
i was shaving and unable to get close shave . that is why i tried to shave ATG TO get closer shave.
what happen is finally i find out how sharp razor should be(thank you to Randy) and i start to shaving ATG.
My shaves was getting better day by day. Only problem i had is my skin wasn't feeling smooth after the shave.
i did shave with this way almost 2 years.
In this time period i learned how to hone blades and my shaving techniques changed + i did learn how to lather up my face too.
i start to use straight razor as a hand saw instead of axe.
Basically scything motion shaving.
I learned biggest rule in straight razor shaving " PRESSURE IS ENEMY OF STRAIGHT RAZOR SHAVING"
After all this learning i start to shave only WTG AND XTG . That is all i need to get great shave and have smooth skin after shave.
Now i start to enjoy straight razor shaving. It was great enjoyable times.
(until i start to hone blades for customers).
After that i haven't shave with my blades and i shave wtg and some rare cases AGT. for testing purposes.
This is why i am at the moment saying . Please you can get great shave without going AGT .
Person needs to have right razor, right technique and patience.
In the other hand wile you shave AGT you always damage your skin. simple scraping out it is protective surface.
This will end up more infections etc more uncomfortable shave feelings etc.
hope this helps.