I use an X-pattern; as in the barber manuals. I almost never use the linen or canvas and have come to prefer a 1.5" to 2.5" inch hanger (latigo mostly). I would strop heel-leading on a wide strop, whether I used an X-stroke or not. A lot of it is just personal preference. You should just try linen once you can strop well on leather and see if you get good results with it. Some like linen/canvas, some don't.

The same situation for pastes; try it and see. I don't use pastes and prefer the edge from a barber or other 10k to 12k hone. Once again, you'll need to try it to know if you like it. Pastes can get a very sharp edge that is preferred by many.