No matter what I do I usually need 4 passes....
Same here. Occasonally I get lucky, but 4 is my standard and I've accepted it for now. Sharper blade, better products, more skill, more overlapping strokes.... there is a magic formula in there somewhere. I'm ok wandering down the path.
Congrats on #100. Presumably you still have both ears, ten fingers, and your other scars will heal nicely. Well done, and thanks for the journal.