Not sure of your logic however. It would seem that by waiting the lather dries out which doesn't seem to be softening up the beard. I might suggest you spend a little more time lathering up the chin area. IMHO.
As I said in my OP, I should have relathered my chin but didn't. I recognize that was a mistake but do thank you for the suggestion. I do have this tendency of "needing" to finish once I start and I should have seen it was dry, stopped and re-lathered then resumed.