Yes, I think he misinterpreted Mike's post. Sometimes people's outlook on things colors what they see in a way that distorts it's real meaning, and causes them to jump to negative conclusions where there was no negative intent at all.
It seems we have something in common. I too, wipe an area as soon as I'm done claying it, with a light touch, and then use more detail spray for a final wipe. If you let it dry, that means more spray is needed and more work. It costs you more to wait until you are done with the whole car before you clean.
I see no problem going directly from clay to polishing, since claying removes the contaminants that could cause marring, and so they are all in the clay or in the slurry left on the car with the lube that if you wipe immediately, are all gone.
I even confess that I go straight to my AIO after that. If I was using just a straight wax, I would consider a prep, like a glaze, which I do for my best work.
I dislike the idea of repeated washings on a project, because the more you wipe, the more you abrade. I believe if the mess is taken off quickly, it is done the most effectively, without a need to rewash. I always wipe off my polish right after I do a section, though. I never let polish dry. If I do, I break out the detail spray.
I do not believe you are causing marring by wiping the slurry up with a soft microfiber towel. Wipe once to get the most of it off, and then spray and wipe again to get the final residue. Works for me. I don't like spending excess time on a car.
