It depends on the shape of the car. The first step is always the worst.
The other day I used 6 orange b&s pads for the first step, 3 white pads for the second step. 1 black pad for the last step. On a full correction
I disagree.
A flex will safely correct the paint to your desired level just as fast as a rotary but you will save a step because you won't be going back over your work with the PC. Get a small backing plate for the PC for tight areas