Maybe some people can go ATG on the first pass but, WHY? My beard isn't especially thick but each hair seems to be. An ATG pass would just be down right painful. I can only guess that it's tougher on the blade edge, too. I do the WTG, XTG, ATG method and it's worked great for a while now. Maybe with a vibrating, fusion with some new technology and 15 blades you could go ATG from the start but hey, what's the fun in that? Shaving is an experience that sooths and for me it's a time of focus and meditation. I like to take the time and enjoy the razor and the product. But hey, that's just me.