I think the majority will go with a very simple pre shave routine, maybe a bath, a hot shower, maybe a hot towel. At least a warm wash. A few use a nice pre shave product but it's not mandatory for a good shave... The most important part is do *something* to prepare and soften the beard.
Personally I do use an oil sometimes (T+H ultimate comfort) but it's not really necessary and many days I go without... I use it more as a pamper at the weekend as I love the scent and the feel of it. On the downside it makes your sink harder to clean and it's expensive stuff though it goes a long long way. But the most important thing pre shave is some heat and some moisture.
After the shave I rinse cold and apply alum and usually moisturise. Then I have a splash of something, but again it's not universal. Everyone's different.
The maca root cream is nice stuff, the smell isn't to everyone's taste but it produces a great lather.