Am I right in thinking you are bowl lathering? If so, have you tried face lathering as it gets the warm lather straight on to your face. For the 2nd/3rd passes I just hold the tip of the brush under the hot tap for a second then swirl it around my face again. The lather is rejuvenated and I start again.
As regards ATG on the neck, I am starting to think about giving up on it. I can get a pretty smooth shave with my vintage Gillette but almost always nick myself in the process. I just don't think it's worth it. I'm actually not certain about going for BBS on the rest of my face either as, even though I can achieve it, my beard has not grown back sufficiently in 24 hours to make my next shave that necessary. Anyway, rambling now as usual, will stop! :shave