As Glen mentioned, there are so many variables, that there is no way to make an overall 'correct' procedure for everyone. I finish my razors with .050 micron diamond oil and there is no need to strop for the first shave. But after the first shave it is necessary.
People shave off razors finished on 8000 stones, which I'm sure requires stropping.
The razors I have from say 1850 and before don't even finish better than off an Escher. The steel seems not as fine grained, and these very much require stropping.
Even American razors from the early 1900's, which hold an edge for an incredibly long time, are made so much more enjoyable with stropping.
I'm thinking that the accepted stropping to finish an edge, as well as prior to shaving, is simply easier and more 'face friendly', than to find the limits of what your face will tolerate if you don't.

Just my thoughts.
Ed
quicknicker