OK, so I've shaved with the razor twice without any stropping (it was difficult, though, especially as I normally always strop on the linen after shaving to clean and dry the edge)
Anyway, I can say that IMHO the presharpened TIs from Classic Shaving are as close to shave-ready as you are likely to get without involving a honemeister. (Would also say that the TI is every bit as good as its reputation.)
Still, not sure about not stopping for the first few shaves. Can't help but wonder if they want you to shave a couple times without stopping so that if you then do a bad stop-job and mess up the edge you will know it was your fault and not theirs!
In the interests of science, I guess I will just have to get another new TI and try stopping it before using it so that I can make a valid comparison!
Thanks again folks for all the input!