your statements sounded to me more like dismissal than real questions, maybe because my coffeemaker burned up this morning and my day has been very frustrating. Meaning maybe it is more me than you, so I will try to answer.
Sharpening is not a holy grail, it is simple mechanics/abrasive action to achieve a desired effect.
Really sharp /smooth edges glide through wood easier and cleaner. A highly polished edge lasts longer due to reduced friction and finer teeth on the edge. In use the microscopically fine teeth on the sharpened edge break down, bend over, and generally fail and dull. Super honing with polishing compound in the 20,000 to 30,000 grit range make a finer edge that gives a better, cleaner, smoother cut, makes the sharp edge last longer, etc.
You need a strop if you do very fine work with hand planes, chisels, carving knives, and other edged tools that benefit from an ultra sharp edge for reasons stated above. Stroping often between sharpenings will keep the edge sharp rather than the usual roller coaster ride of sharp to dull to sharp and dull again with variable success in each session.
If you can't shave hair easily and comfortably with your edged tools then you are exerting extra force to make a cut which bends the fibers before they are cut and could even be tearing rather than cutting the fibers. A super sharp chisel will make a polished slick cut on the end grain of softwood. As the blade begins to dull the end grain cut finish will appear matte, dusty, torn, and ragged. No, the wood doesn't care, but you should.
