Hi Adman,
In your original post you mention you started with Proraso pre/post, some cream and an EJ razor. You didn't mention a brush. Do you have one?
The reason I ask is, that many years ago, before I was wiser and more informed by shaving forums, I actually shaved with Omega Cream, just out of the tube, and rubbed onto wet face with hands. Those were definately not my best shaves!
If I was very careful with my razor, and just passed each whisker once per lathering, and did that for three passes, WTG, XYG, ATG, then I would probably not be satisfied. So I don't do that. But I do get closer shaves than any other method I have tried, and without irritation. And that's the main thing.
With regards to money, I believe that you would save more money buying a RazorPit, and then just maintaining your cartridges. That is, if that level of comfort, closeness and time useage is acceptable to you.
Other than that, you can check out Charles' videos on Method Shaving. It requires his special products, and they are same price range as many of the London brands, but if he did not talk so much on the videos, I am sure he could be done with his shaving in 6-7 minutes. And he passes each whisker many more times than 6!
/Max