Oh Hello there!
As much as it hurts don't worry about the dings. These are shoes, you can take care of them, and keep them in mind. However once you start collecting like I have, and the guys over at GYW. You learn to accept their beauty as they age. I look at my Strands, three years later, and I would happily take them over brand new and out of the box.
The AE Conditioner is great, use it up and then go buy Bick 4, or VSC. Yes that polish is the stuff to use, it will match very well to the shoe.
in regards to step 5. I use this, it was recommended by my local cobler. When I shine, and I am going to a high sheen. I have a mug of water next to me. I take the rag (or shirt) wrap it around my fingers, and have at least one finger free. I dip the free finger in the water, shake, and dap it to the shoe, then work it in with the neutral polish. This is the underlying concept behind the "Spit-Shine". Kiwi Nuetral also works too. The Idea is that you want to put another "Protective Coat" on the colored layer that you set with the Color matching polish.
Reference Video He uses a brush dauber as well, which I use too. My dad taught me with an old t-shirt Cloth so that is what I pass along. The Brush Dauber method is awesome though. You just have to have a Dauber for each color though.
Yeah John Wick is Epic, I can only hope that the sequel will be just as good. Find another Awesome film, I have heard of people finding Mad Max Road Fury but I am skeptical on the Quality this early. Just be ready to spend a good hour.
Cheers!