To answer my own original question regarding the timing of stropping relative to the shave, and whether it made a difference:

I have conducted an extensive scientific study with an "n"=2

Up until now I have been stropping my razors in the evening, and shaving in the morning.

For the past 2 days I stropped immediately prior to the shave. The two razors I used (Dubl Duck Special, reground Sheffield from Josh Earl) had not been honed or pasted since their last shave, and I used the exact same prep, same cream, same brush.

The shaves done immediately after stropping were clearly superior: smoother, closer, no irritation. I'll try it with the other razors in my rotation, and see if this continues to hold true.