FWIW I did steps 6, 7, and 8 simultaneously before the first time I ever did step 5. So I wouldn't worry too much about someone going down that list a little out of order. 
You joined the game earlier than the "rule" or "recommendation" was established. We had less systems in preview back then. The actual "order" is based on a proposal from Jim, and I think that he also wanted to avoid having too many systems in preview for ages.
