[benz rider]

Anyways,
I don't know who you talk to about polishing, but I did a single full compound with Menzerna Powergloss, Super intensive Polish, and then Nano Polish - all on my own BMW last summer. I haven't touched it since then, and I still have a nearly perfect finish (even under halogens) because I wax/seal it every 4 months on average, which isn't expensive at all. (All I'd need to do to repair any imperfections that may occur now is use a light polish like FP or another pass of nano with the rotary) The reason it got so bad is the PO never waxed it before I purchased it.

Really, if you do things right, you don't have to polish all the time, this is true. BUT, if the car has never been waxed or polished, it's unlikely if the car is over 5 years or even 3 years old that it will be clear of noticeable residue that even the amateur can distinguish. Although, it is up to the detailer/client decision regarding what action to take, but what is mandatory after a polish is a seal of some kind. This is the one factor that determines a freshly polished paint job that stays clear or not, and I must emphasize that this shouldn't be done every week, but about once every 4-6 months depending on climate product etc...

sounds like a repeat of what I've been saying all along.

Yet, without wax, the cars finish is not slick, it has a low surface tension. This allows for anything to stick to it and remain. Whether it be mineral deposits, tree sap (Fkin worst, especially if it ages and completely dries) But with practically any type of paint protectant even SLIGHTLY present, it will repel and make these contaminants that much easier to remove, most of they time they just "pop" right off, because the bond to the paint isn't nearly as strong as it would have been on a bare surface. That's no understatement, it's hell on earth to remove some contaminants that have stained, etched, etc...

agreed.

Overall, no need to polish and wax every week, just keep a small layer of protection, and you'll be good to go. (Heck, I didn't even waxd my car for 6 months during the crazy Oregon winter weather, which isn't even close to being a joke BTW, it's serious weather. I think I even waited 4 months to wash the thing. Yes, I got lazy and preoccupied with school, but my LSP prevailed.)

this is where a QD is all you need between washings/deatils In my opinion.