Excellent info sewnoma!
I have made cold process for years and years! RTCP (room temperature cold process).
I get my oils from Columbus food in Chicago.
I sell at an herb shop where they don't want me to use essential oils but love the fragrance oils.
I'm ready to quit but they beg me to continue so I will for a while.
I make beer, goat milk or distilled water or a mixture! It's a fun hobby or business but don't expect to get rich.
I don't even color or swirl anymore but my customers love my recipe the way it is. Everything natural but the FO. My favorite to use is unscented goat milk soap. I have also used carrots and silk. Even tried dried corn silk! Just the thought of using crayons makes me cringe! Fun playing.
I find that spraying the top of the soap in the mold with 91 percent alcohol will help prevent ash.
I agree with your assessment of M&P. Might be fun to play with but I won't use it personally.
Enjoy the process but use safety measures handing lye.