Hi molocono, here is what I learn from others:
If you buy PC 7336SP, it doesn't include the Velcro backing plate. Hence, you have to purchase the backing plate along with the pads for cutting compound/polishing/glaze/wax/sealant. All of these mean that pads with holder is better choice. Because you only need to replace the pad and keep the backing plate. Otherwise, you have to throw away the pad & the "permanently attached" back plate every time a pad wears out.
Click
Here for detail.
for clay holder click
Here for suggestion.
Coastaltool.com has good deal of PC 7224 since it will include 6" backing plate.
Some brand new car has been waxed by the dealer. If you car is above 3 month old and you want to start from beginning. Then you can go head with dawn (dishwashing soap) to trip off the old wax. some says since dawn is used for trip off grease (oil) and wax is one kind of oil so it will do just fine. Other says dawn is not designed for car's paint, it is so harsh and will dull your paint if you use it often. So, using dawn 3 times a year for removing wax only is safe.
Other alternative, you can use paint cleaner, Meguiar's APC+ that they suggest diluting to 1:64 (with water, of course) for "de-waxing". Any polish with cleaning property wil also strip off the wax (not much though), except Zaino doesn't have the cleanning property.
Here is what I do:
1)Wash (Dawn(only if to remove old wax)/regular car wash shapoo)
2)Clay
3)Wash (to clean all residues from clay) - if you want it to be perfect.
4)polish (if necessary to remove swirls or scratches) - always choose less abrassive products first then move up if needed.
5)wax/sealant
Hope this will help...BTW, you should read the detail-book from griots...I did and learn quite a lot from that.