I did use the Polish that came with the Basic Kit immediately after using the Compound and I did so panel by panel: A-Pilar’s/sails/roof 1st; hood 2nd; trunk & spoiler 3rd, etc.
Funny you mentioned a final layer of sealant or wax. I was of the same mindset so I emailed Adam’s and asked about a “buffing” or finishing pad to get that last % of shine on it. They were terrific and suggested a foam pad (though I was anticipating a cloth pad of some sort) and even offered to either set up a phone call directly with me OR email me with some options. Pretty darn good customer service, IMO++
Worth noting: the 2 different pads I used that came with the Basic Kit (1 for the Compound; 1 for the Polish) cleaned up really well and easily with warm the supplied pad scrubber, warm water and Dawn dish soap. I just hit each 3-4x, rinsed, squeezed until came out looking brand new again. May seem an insignificant detail but I was happy to see these are reusable and not the cheaply “one use, disposable” pads. Kind of a rub to have to keep buying pads over and over after each use. And it’s not about the cost, but more about the quality. Hope that made sense! And hope I didn’t get too long in the tooth.
Cheers!